Correlation of Climate change and kidney disease
The worldwide increases in temperature has resulted in a marked increase in heat waves (heat extremes) that carries a markedly increased risk for morbidity and mortality. The kidney has a unique role not only in protecting the host from heat and dehydration but also it is an important site of heat-associated disease. Here we review the potential impact of global warming and heat extremes on kidney diseases. High temperatures can result in increased core temperatures, dehydration, blood hyperosmolality as a result, body temperatures in excess of 104 degrees Fahrenheit will cause delirium, coma, seizures, and multiorgan failure and significant problems for the kidneys.
Dehydration will lead to low blood pressure and decreased kidney function. Heatstroke may have a major role in causing both acute kidney disease, leading to increased risk of acute kidney injury it is associated with electrolyte abnormalities, there is breakdown of muscle tissue that results in kidney failure. Finally, heart failure and shock can lead to kidney failure during episodes of severe heat stroke
There appear to be 2 types of acute kidney injury: rhabdomyolysis (typically with creatine phosphokinase levels >1,000 µ/L), which is often associated with hyperuricemia and signs of dehydration. Some individuals (10–30%) with heatstroke-associated acute kidney injury require dialysis If the patient survives the acute illness, kidney function usually returns to normal. Recurrent heat and dehydration can result in chronic kidney disease (CKD) if not immediately addressed.
Heat stress and dehydration also have a role in kidney stone formation, poor hydration habits may increase the risk for recurrent urinary tract infections. How best to provide adequate hydration, and ways to reduce the negative effects of chronic heat exposure will lead to prevent chronic kidney failure.
Source: Climate Change and the Kidney. – NCBI-
Climate Change and the Kidney – Full Text – Annals of Nutrition.