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A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at UCL and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has unveiled a concerning connection between heat exposure and the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients living in hotter climates. Published in The Lancet Planetary Health, the study sheds light on the impact of heat on kidney function, presenting implications for public health strategies and patient care.
Chronic kidney disease affects approximately one in ten people worldwide and is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. For individuals with CKD, particularly those residing in hot countries, the study revealed an alarming trend: an additional 8% decline in kidney function each year compared to those living in temperate climates.
“This is the first global, medium-term analysis to explore the relationship between chronic kidney disease and heat,” said Professor Ben Caplin, a senior author of the study from UCL Division of Medicine. “Our findings suggest that heat exposure itself contributes to the accelerated deterioration of kidney function in individuals with pre-existing CKD.”
The study analyzed data from 4,017 individuals across 21 countries, representing a diverse range of climates and economic statuses. Patients living in regions with high heat exposure experienced a significant decline in kidney function, regardless of national income or other health variables such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or weight.
Professor Dorothea Nitsch, another senior author from LSHTM, emphasized the universal impact of heat on kidney health, stating, “Access to measures such as air conditioning and readily available drinking water, which could help mitigate the impact of heat, are not always accessible to patients, regardless of the economic status of their country.”
As global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, the implications of the study are far-reaching. “Our findings underscore the urgent need for interventions to address the impact of extreme heat on kidney function,” Professor David Wheeler, a senior author from UCL Division of Medicine, emphasized. “Failure to act could result in more patients requiring dialysis or kidney transplants, posing significant challenges to both individuals and public health systems.”
While the study focused on patients with CKD, its implications extend beyond this population, highlighting the broader health risks associated with rising global temperatures. As efforts to combat climate change intensify, addressing the impact of heat on vulnerable populations, including those with chronic conditions like CKD, becomes increasingly critical.
