Relation between serum creatinine and body mass index in elite athletes of different sport disciplines

Objectives: To document the relation between serum creatinine concentration and body mass index in elite athletes from five different sports, and to study potential differences among athletes performing different sports with different features and requirements. Methods: Before the start of the competitive season, serum creatinine was measured in 151 elite athletes from five different sports: rugby (n = 44), soccer (n = 27), alpine skiing (n = 34), sailing (n = 22), cycling (n = 24). Pearson's correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relation between serum creatinine and body mass index (BMI). Analysis of variance and unpaired Student's t test were used to compare creatinine concentration and BMI in different sport disciplines. Results: In the whole group of athletes, a positive correlation between serum creatinine and BMI was found (r = 0.48, p