Abstract: SA-PO0920
Establishing a Sports Nephrology Clinic: Integrating Kidney Health, Performance, and Life Participation in Athletes
Session Information
- Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
- 1500 Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Authors
- Safdar, Komal, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Catanese, Benjamin Peter, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Sparks, Matthew A., Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Background
Sports nephrology is an emerging field focused on managing kidney health, assessing risk, and optimizing performance in athletes with or at risk for kidney injury. High-intensity exercise introduces unique physiologic stressors, yet structured nephrology integration into sports medicine remains limited. We report the development and early implementation of a sports nephrology clinic at a tertiary academic center.
Methods
A sports nephrology clinic was established within a nephrology fellows' clinic using three strategies: (1) direct outreach to Duke and Elons sports medicine, (2) dissemination within nephrology and other specialties, and (3) acceptance of community/self-referrals. Encounters were categorized as medical (evaluation/management of kidney disease) or performance-focused (hydration, supplements, return-to-play).
Results
A total of 17 athletes were evaluated over a period of 10 months. Encounters included elevated creatinine or acute kidney injury (AKI), hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), electrolyte disorders, rhabdomyolysis or cramps, and polyuria. Diagnostic challenges included distinguishing physiologic creatinine elevations from kidney disease and balancing hydration, sodium, and protein intake in the context of CKD and hypertension.
A smaller performance cohort included athletes seeking guidance on hydration, supplement safety, and long-term kidney outcomes. Performance was also often discussed in athletes with primary medical problems.
Few consults required prompt evaluation involving decisions on return to play – telemedicine aided in adapting to the busy student-athlete schedule. Sweat testing and tracking pre and post exercise weights helped guide management. For athletes on collegiate teams, collaboration with sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers, and sports nutrition was key.
Conclusion
Establishing a sports nephrology clinic is feasible and identifies a critical gap in athlete care. Referrals arise through collaboration with sports medicine and community outreach. This model supports early detection of kidney disease and provides individualized guidance to balance health and performance. Importantly, sports nephrology promotes life participation, recognizing that exercise and athletic identity are central to quality of life. This framework provides a scalable model for integrating nephrology into multidisciplinary care for athletes.