Risk Factors and Mechanisms Underlying Cross-Shift Decline in Kidney Function in Guatemalan Sugarcane Workers.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Identify early biomarkers and mechanisms of acute kidney injury in workers at risk of developing chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu).

METHODS:

We assessed cross-shift changes in kidney function and biomarkers of injury in 105 healthy sugarcane workers. We obtained pre-harvest clinical data as well as daily environmental, clinical, and productivity data for each worker.

RESULTS:

The average percent decline in cross-shift estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 21.8% (standard deviation [SD] 13.6%). Increasing wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), high uric acid, decreased urine pH, urinary leukocyte esterase, and serum hyperosmolality were risk factors for decline in kidney function.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sugarcane workers with normal kidney function experience recurrent subclinical kidney injury, associated with elevations in biomarkers of injury that suggest exposure to high temperatures and extreme physical demands.

• Authors: Cecilia J Sorensen, Jaime Butler-Dawson, Miranda Dally, Lyndsay Krisher, Benjamin R Griffin, Richard J Johnson, Jay Lemery, Claudia Asensio, Liliana Tenney, Lee S Newman
• Journal: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine (J Occup Environ Med) Vol. 61 Issue 3 Pg. 239-250 (03 2019) ISSN: 1536-5948 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 30575695 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers

Topics

• Adult
• Biomarkers (blood)
• Farmers
• Glomerular Filtration Rate
• Hot Temperature (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Male
• Occupational Diseases
• Occupational Exposure
• Physical Exertion
• Renal Insufficiency, Chronic (etiology, physiopathology)
• Risk Factors
• Saccharum
• Young Adult