1. Physicians must be aware that IV fluid administration is not without risk or harm. There are potential adverse effects from IV fluid administration, including;

• Complications at the injection site (infection, phlebitis and venous thrombosis)
• Fluid and solute overload resulting in electrolyte abnormalities
• Over-hydration
• Congestive conditions (central and peripheral)
• Acid base imbalances
• Financial cost to administer IV fluids, which includes appropriate staffing and monitoring

2. Recommendations for the treatment of severe dehydration include;

• Monitor clinical signs and symptoms (see Table 2) and consider measurement of plasma sodium and blood glucose
• If IV rehydration is indicated, 10-20 mL/kg bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride initially and consider repeating these boluses until adequate haemodynamics are restored
• Where severe exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is present, manifesting in neurological impairment and inability to tolerate oral hypertonic salt broth, treat with IV hypertonic saline bolus of 100ml 3% Normal Saline, once low serum sodium levels are confirmed.
• A TUE is required if IV fluids are used >100 mL/12 hours, outside of approved settings

Table 1: Clinical signs of dehydration

3. Recommendations for the treatment of heat syncope include;

• Encourage oral fluids
• IV fluids are not indicated for the management of heat syncope and therefore no TUE is required
• If there is a failure to improve after 15-20 minutes, transfer to a medical facility for further investigation

Table 2: Simple strategies for the treatment of heat syncope

4. Recommendations for the treatment of heat exhaustion include;

• Associated with a core body temperature of elevated to 38.3-40°C
• IV fluids should be considered in the setting of deteriorating mental status or persistent nausea or vomiting
• If there is no rapid improvement following cooling strategies transfer immediately to hospital to exclude heat stroke
• A TUE is required if IV fluids are used >100 mL/12 hours, outside of approved settings

5. Recommendations for the treatment of exertional heat stroke (EHS) include;

• Affects multiple body systems in association with high core temperatures (> 40-40.5°C)
• Aim to cool the patient first and transport second if appropriate medical staff and cooling strategies are present
• IV hydration can be considered for circulatory support in EHS, however small boluses should be given
• A TUE is required if IV fluids are used >100 mL/12 hours, outside of approved settings

6. Recommendations for the treatment of trauma in sport include;

• When there is loss of the radial pulse (or central pulse in penetrating torso trauma), IV crystalloid boluses of 250 mL are recommended
• Boluses are titrated to maintenance of a pulse
• If a significant head injury exists, consider larger volumes to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure
• Priority is to transport the patient to a trauma centre as soon as possible
• A TUE is required if IV fluids are used >100 mL/12 hours, outside of approved settings

7. Recommendations for administration of medication by IV include;

• Only utilised when there is a clear clinical indication for use of that medication
• The IV medication should be checked against the WADA Prohibited List as it may require a TUE
• If not prohibited but the volume of fluid required to deliver the medication is >100 mL in 12 hours, then a TUE is required where administration takes place outside of approved settings

This AIS position statement provides recommendations for physicians working in the elite sporting environment when considering use of intravenous fluids in adherence with the WADC guidelines. The current literature supports appropriate use of intravenous fluids to protect the health of athletes in specific clinical situations. Prioritising athlete health aligns with the WADC. Clinical scenarios within elite sport that warrant use of intravenous fluids include severe dehydration, exertional heat illness, trauma and administration of medications.