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Alvand S, Alatab S, Dalvand S, Shahraki-Sanavi F, Kaykhaei MA, Shahraki E, Barar E, Sepanlou SG, Ansari-Moghaddam A. Association of indoor use of pesticides with CKD of unknown origin. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0277151. [PMID: 37478079 PMCID: PMC10361486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global health problem. Recently, an epidemic of CKD of unknown origin (CKDu), a form of CKD seen mostly in agricultural communities, has been emerged. One of the proposed causes of CKDu is pesticide use in farmers. On the other hand, the research on relation between indoor use of pesticides and CKDu is little. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between indoor use of pesticide as well as the exposure time with CKDu. This study was done as part of the population-based cohort of Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran. We used the baseline data of the Zahedan Adult Cohort Study. All subjects with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 60-89 ml/min/1.73 m2, and unavailable creatinine measurement were excluded. Subjects with an eGFR of less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 were defined as having CKDu, and their data were compared with those with an eGFR of more than 90 ml/min/1.73 m2. Data regarding indoor pesticide use and duration of exposure were obtained through a questionnaire. After applying the exclusion criteria, 1079 subjects remained in the study. Female sex, single marital status, low physical activity, triglyceride (TG) levels of more than 150 mg/dl, body mass index (BMI) of more than 25 kg/m2, non-smokers, indoor pesticide use, and high pesticide exposure time were associated with CKDu. The effects of age, female sex, TG levels more than 150 mg/dl, pesticide use (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.01-1.84), and high exposure time (third tertile of exposure time) compared to non-users (OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.07-2.51) remained significant in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION We found a positive association between pesticide use, as well as longer exposure time to pesticides, and impaired kidney function in cases without diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Further longitudinal studies should be carried out to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Alvand
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sudabeh Alatab
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Dalvand
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahmoud Ali Kaykhaei
- Genetics of Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Science, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Elham Shahraki
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Science, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Erfaneh Barar
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadaf G Sepanlou
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Aoun M, Chelala D. Where do you live and what do you do? Two questions that might impact your kidney health. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2022; 2:1011964. [PMID: 37675017 PMCID: PMC10479685 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2022.1011964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
In many cases the social determinants of health need to be assessed through their interaction with environmental factors. This review looks at the impact of physical location and occupation of individuals on their kidney health. It examines the effect of living at high altitude on kidney function and the relationship between extreme cold or hot temperatures and the incidence of kidney injury. It reviews as well the many occupations that have been linked to kidney disease in high-income and low-and-middle-income countries. As a conclusion, this overview proposes preventive recommendations that could be individualized based on weather, altitude, socio-economic level of the country and occupation of the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Aoun
- Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
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3
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Creatinine standardization: a key consideration in evaluating whole blood creatinine monitoring systems for CKD screening. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:3279-3289. [PMID: 35260937 PMCID: PMC8956531 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-03942-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Early detection of CKD using point of care creatinine and eGFR testing improves patient management outcomes. We undertook a field study to evaluate the use of a whole blood creatinine/eGFR device to screen a rural Nicaraguan population to determine the variability between creatinine methods and specimen types. All specimens including capillary and venous dried blood spots (DBS) were tested with an isotope dilution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (ID-LCMS) gold standard method. This is to our knowledge the first time a capillary whole blood (POC) method has been directly compared to the gold standard IDMS method, through the novel approach of using dried blood spots. Capillary and venous whole blood specimens were obtained and tested directly with the BCMS method, and then, DBS samples were prepared. Venous plasma specimens were tested using three laboratory analyzer creatinine methods. DBS were sent to the site performing ID-LCMS. Control samples were also prepared to assess the stability of shipment and storage of DBS. The ID-LCMS method was aligned using primary and secondary standards. Sixty-six (66) patients participated in the study, and the CKD prevalence rate was 7.8%. While all creatinine methods showed a good correlation to ID-LCMS, there was a positive bias (mean absolute bias range: 0.21–0.63 mg/dL). All methods used were 100% sensitive, but specificity varied from 62.7 to 94.9% with PPV ranging from 25 to 62.5%. A correction factor was used to align the values from each method to ID-LCMS which improved the specificity of each method. This study used a unique DBS approach to align capillary whole blood creatinine to ID-LCMS. To ensure reliability of BCMS for identifying screened patients with CKD, it is important to establish IDMS traceability and alignment prior to undertaking CKD studies.
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Hamilton SA, Jarhyan P, Fecht D, Venkateshmurthy NS, Pearce N, Venkat Narayan KM, Ali MK, Mohan V, Tandon N, Prabhakaran D, Mohan S. Environmental risk factors for reduced kidney function due to undetermined cause in India: an environmental epidemiologic analysis. Environ Epidemiol 2021; 5:e170. [PMID: 34934891 PMCID: PMC8683143 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An epidemic of chronic kidney disease is occurring in rural communities in low-income and middle-income countries that do not share common kidney disease risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension. This chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology occurs primarily in agricultural communities in Central America and South Asia. Consequently, environmental risk factors including heat stress, heavy metals exposure, and low altitude have been hypothesized as risk factors. We conducted an environmental epidemiological analysis investigating these exposures in India which reports the disease. METHODS We used a random sample population in rural and urban sites in Northern and Southern India in 2010, 2011, and 2014 (n = 11,119). We investigated associations of the heat index, altitude, and vicinity to cropland with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using satellite-derived data assigned to residential coordinates. We modeled these exposures with eGFR using logistic regression to estimate the risk of low eGFR, and linear mixed models (LMMs) to analyze site-specific eGFR-environment associations. RESULTS Being over 55 years of age, male, and living in proximity to cropland was associated with increased risk of low eGFR [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.24 (1.43, 3.56), 2.32 (1.39, 3.88), and 1.47 (1.16, 2.36)], respectively. In LMMs, vicinity to cropland was associated with low eGFR [-0.80 (-0.44, -0.14)]. No associations were observed with temperature or altitude. CONCLUSIONS Older age, being male, and living in proximity to cropland were negatively associated with eGFR. These analyses are important in identifying subcommunities at higher risk and can help direct future environmental investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A. Hamilton
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Daniela Fecht
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Neil Pearce
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Global NCDs, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Nikhil Tandon
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Petropoulos ZE, Ramirez-Rubio O, Scammell MK, Laws RL, Lopez-Pilarte D, Amador JJ, Ballester J, O’Callaghan-Gordo C, Brooks DR. Climate Trends at a Hotspot of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Causes in Nicaragua, 1973-2014. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5418. [PMID: 34069421 PMCID: PMC8159092 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
An ongoing epidemic of chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) afflicts large parts of Central America and is hypothesized to be linked to heat stress at work. Mortality rates from CKDu appear to have increased dramatically since the 1970s. To explore this relationship, we assessed trends in maximum and minimum temperatures during harvest months between 1973 and 2014 as well as in the number of days during the harvest season for which the maximum temperature surpassed 35 °C. Data were collected at a weather station at a Nicaraguan sugar company where large numbers of workers have been affected by CKDu. Monthly averages of the daily maximum temperatures between 1996 and 2014 were also compared to concurrent weather data from eight Automated Surface Observing System Network weather stations across Nicaragua. Our objectives were to assess changes in temperature across harvest seasons, estimate the number of days that workers were at risk of heat-related illness and compare daily maximum temperatures across various sites in Nicaragua. The monthly average daily maximum temperature during the harvest season increased by 0.7 °C per decade between 1973 and 1990. The number of days per harvest season with a maximum temperature over 35 °C increased by approximately five days per year between 1974 and 1990, from 32 days to 114 days. Between 1991 and 2013, the number of harvest days with a maximum temperature over 35 °C decreased by two days per year, and the monthly average daily maximum temperature decreased by 0.3 °C per decade. Comparisons with weather stations across Nicaragua demonstrate that this company is located in one of the consistently hottest regions of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe E. Petropoulos
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (M.K.S.); (R.L.L.)
| | - Oriana Ramirez-Rubio
- ISGlobal, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (O.R.-R.); (J.B.); (C.O.-G.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (D.L.-P.); (J.J.A.); (D.R.B.)
| | - Madeleine K. Scammell
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (M.K.S.); (R.L.L.)
| | - Rebecca L. Laws
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (M.K.S.); (R.L.L.)
| | - Damaris Lopez-Pilarte
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (D.L.-P.); (J.J.A.); (D.R.B.)
| | - Juan José Amador
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (D.L.-P.); (J.J.A.); (D.R.B.)
| | - Joan Ballester
- ISGlobal, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (O.R.-R.); (J.B.); (C.O.-G.)
| | - Cristina O’Callaghan-Gordo
- ISGlobal, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (O.R.-R.); (J.B.); (C.O.-G.)
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel R. Brooks
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (D.L.-P.); (J.J.A.); (D.R.B.)
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Smith DJ, Pius LM, Plantinga LC, Thompson LM, Mac V, Hertzberg VS. Heat Stress and Kidney Function in Farmworkers in the US: A Scoping Review. J Agromedicine 2021; 27:183-192. [PMID: 33691597 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2021.1893883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) has been well described in farmworkers in Latin America. Agricultural workers in the United States (US) are exposed to similar hot and humid working conditions, but CKDu in the US is under-described. This review aims to better understand the current literature describing the connection between heat stress and kidney function in farmworkers in the United States. Utilizing a scoping review methodology, we searched CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases to better understand the current state of the heat stress and kidney function research in farmworkers within the United States. In this review, 229 pieces of literature were screened. Ultimately, 4 articles were chosen to be included in the scoping review. Common themes within the articles were variations in study protocol lengths and type of heat stress measurement. Additionally, the majority of the work completed was quantitative to date, with only one study providing a critical social lens for analysis of CKDu in the United States. We found evidence that more work is needed within the US to understand the relationship between working in the heat and kidney function in agricultural and other workers who experience high heat conditions at work and are susceptible to the deleterious effects of working in said conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Smith
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lisa M Pius
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Laura C Plantinga
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lisa M Thompson
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Valerie Mac
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vicki S Hertzberg
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Ferguson R, Leatherman S, Fiore M, Minnings K, Mosco M, Kaufman J, Kerns E, Amador JJ, Brooks DR, Fiore M, Parekh RS, Fiore L. Prevalence and Risk Factors for CKD in the General Population of Southwestern Nicaragua. J Am Soc Nephrol 2020; 31:1585-1593. [PMID: 32471819 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2019050521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have described Mesoamerican nephropathy among agricultural workers of El Salvador and northwestern Nicaragua. Data on prevalence and risk factors for CKD beyond agricultural workers and in other regions in Nicaragua are sparse. METHODS We recruited participants from 32 randomly selected communities in the Department of Rivas's ten municipalities in two phases. In phase 1, we screened participants using a field-based capillary creatinine measuring system and collected self-reported information on lifestyle and occupational, exposure, and health histories. Two years later, in phase 2, we enrolled 222 new participants, performing serum creatinine testing in these participants and confirmatory serum creatinine testing in phase 1 participants. RESULTS We enrolled 1242 of 1397 adults (89%) living in 533 households (median age 41 years; 43% male). We confirmed CKD (eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) in 53 of 1227 (4.3%) evaluable participants. In multivariable testing, risk factors for prevalent CKD included age (odds ratio [OR], 1.92; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.89 to 1.96) and self-reported history of hypertension (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.04 to 3.64), diabetes (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.40 to 5.93), or current or past work in the sugarcane industry (OR 2.92; 95% CI, 1.36 to 6.27). CONCLUSIONS Adjusted CKD prevalence was about 5% with repeat confirmatory testing in southwest Nicaragua, lower than in the northwest region. Risk factors included diabetes, hypertension, and current or prior work in the sugarcane industry but not in other forms of agricultural work. Formal CKD surveillance programs in Nicaragua are needed to assess the overall burden of CKD nationally, with a focus on agricultural workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Ferguson
- Boston University, School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah Leatherman
- Boston Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, Veterans Affairs, Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Madeline Fiore
- University of Massachusetts, School of Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Kailey Minnings
- University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martha Mosco
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell, New York, New York
| | - James Kaufman
- Division of Nephrology, Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System and New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Eric Kerns
- Division of Nephrology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts
| | - Juan Jose Amador
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel R Brooks
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Rulan S Parekh
- University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Louis Fiore
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Wesseling C, Glaser J, Rodríguez-Guzmán J, Weiss I, Lucas R, Peraza S, da Silva AS, Hansson E, Johnson RJ, Hogstedt C, Wegman DH, Jakobsson K. Chronic kidney disease of non-traditional origin in Mesoamerica: a disease primarily driven by occupational heat stress. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2020; 44:e15. [PMID: 31998376 PMCID: PMC6984407 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2020.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The death toll of the epidemic of chronic kidney disease of nontraditional origin (CKDnt) in Mesoamerica runs into the tens of thousands, affecting mostly young men. There is no consensus on the etiology. Anecdotal evidence from the 1990s pointed to work in sugarcane; pesticides and heat stress were suspected. Subsequent population-based surveys supported an occupational origin with overall high male-female ratios in high-risk lowlands, but small sex differences within occupational categories, and low prevalence in non-workers. CKDnt was reported in sugarcane and other high-intensity agriculture, and in non-agricultural occupations with heavy manual labor in hot environments, but not among subsistence farmers. Recent studies with stronger designs have shown cross-shift changes in kidney function and hydration biomarkers and cross-harvest kidney function declines related to heat and workload. The implementation of a water-rest-shade intervention midharvest in El Salvador appeared to halt declining kidney function among cane cutters. In Nicaragua a water-rest-shade program appeared sufficient to prevent kidney damage among cane workers with low-moderate workload but not among cutters with heaviest workload. Studies on pesticides and infectious risk factors have been largely negative. Non-occupational risk factors do not explain the observed epidemiologic patterns. In conclusion, work is the main driver of the CKDnt epidemic in Mesoamerica, with occupational heat stress being the single uniting factor shown to lead to kidney dysfunction in affected populations. Sugarcane cutters with extreme heat stress could be viewed as a sentinel occupational population. Occupational heat stress prevention is critical, even more so in view of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina Wesseling
- La Isla NetworkLa Isla NetworkWashington DCUnited States of AmericaLa Isla Network, Washington DC, United States of America.
- Karolinska InstitutetKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSwedenKarolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jason Glaser
- La Isla NetworkLa Isla NetworkWashington DCUnited States of AmericaLa Isla Network, Washington DC, United States of America.
| | - Julieta Rodríguez-Guzmán
- Pan-American Health OrganizationPan-American Health OrganizationWashington DCUnited States of AmericaPan-American Health Organization, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Ilana Weiss
- La Isla NetworkLa Isla NetworkWashington DCUnited States of AmericaLa Isla Network, Washington DC, United States of America.
| | - Rebekah Lucas
- University of BirminghamUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUnited KingdomUniversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Peraza
- University of El SalvadorUniversity of El SalvadorSan SalvadorEl SalvadorUniversity of El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Agnes Soares da Silva
- Pan-American Health OrganizationPan-American Health OrganizationWashington DCUnited States of AmericaPan-American Health Organization, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Erik Hansson
- University of GothenburgUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSwedenUniversity of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Richard J. Johnson
- University of Colorado at DenverUniversity of Colorado at DenverAuroraUnited States of AmericaUniversity of Colorado at Denver, Aurora, United States of America
| | - Christer Hogstedt
- Karolinska InstitutetKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSwedenKarolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David H. Wegman
- University of Massachusetts LowellUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellUnited States of AmericaUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, United States of America
| | - Kristina Jakobsson
- University of GothenburgUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSwedenUniversity of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Nanayakkara I, Dissanayake RK, Nanayakkara S. The presence of dehydration in paddy farmers in an area with chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology. Nephrology (Carlton) 2019; 25:156-162. [PMID: 31099943 DOI: 10.1111/nep.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM Kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) has been a health problem in the rural farming community of the North Central province of Sri Lanka since the 1990s and various environmental factors have been postulated as contributing factors for this disease. The aim of our study was to find out whether farmers undergo dehydration which would lead to concentration of urine and the water soluble potentially toxic substance in the kidney, leading to damage of the renal tubules. Therefore, we studied a sample of healthy farmers who were CKDu-free to determine whether they were dehydrated. METHODS Sample included healthy male paddy farmers of Padaviya in the Anuradhapura district. Plasma and urine osmolarity were recorded upon waking up in the morning and evening during the non-farming and farming seasons. Basic statistics and a 2 × 2 anova was done to test the interaction of time of day with farming activity. RESULTS Farmers were dehydrated according to the plasma osmolarity especially in the mornings, irrespective of whether they were farming or not. Approximately 40% of the sample also demonstrated acute dehydration at the end of the day due to farming activity as indicated by both plasma and urine osmolarity and specific gravity. CONCLUSION This study revealed that the farmers of the Padaviya area were either dehydrated or at the upper limit of euhydration sometime during the day irrespective of their activities during the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indumathie Nanayakkara
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Ruchira K Dissanayake
- Department of Allied Health Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Saman Nanayakkara
- Division of Anaesthesiology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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10
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Johnson RJ, Wesseling C, Newman LS. Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Cause in Agricultural Communities. N Engl J Med 2019; 380:1843-1852. [PMID: 31067373 DOI: 10.1056/nejmra1813869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Johnson
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension (R.J.J.), the Colorado Consortium on Climate Change and Health (R.J.J., L.S.N.), the Center for Health, Work & Environment, and the Departments of Environmental and Occupational Health and Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health (L.S.N.), and the Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine (L.S.N.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and the Division of Nephrology, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Health Administration Hospital, Department of Veterans Affairs (R.J.J.) - all in Aurora; the Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (C.W.); and La Isla Network, Washington, DC (C.W.)
| | - Catharina Wesseling
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension (R.J.J.), the Colorado Consortium on Climate Change and Health (R.J.J., L.S.N.), the Center for Health, Work & Environment, and the Departments of Environmental and Occupational Health and Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health (L.S.N.), and the Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine (L.S.N.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and the Division of Nephrology, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Health Administration Hospital, Department of Veterans Affairs (R.J.J.) - all in Aurora; the Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (C.W.); and La Isla Network, Washington, DC (C.W.)
| | - Lee S Newman
- From the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension (R.J.J.), the Colorado Consortium on Climate Change and Health (R.J.J., L.S.N.), the Center for Health, Work & Environment, and the Departments of Environmental and Occupational Health and Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health (L.S.N.), and the Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine (L.S.N.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and the Division of Nephrology, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Health Administration Hospital, Department of Veterans Affairs (R.J.J.) - all in Aurora; the Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (C.W.); and La Isla Network, Washington, DC (C.W.)
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Chapman E, Haby MM, Illanes E, Sanchez-Viamonte J, Elias V, Reveiz L. Risk factors for chronic kidney disease of non-traditional causes: a systematic review. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2019; 43:e35. [PMID: 31093259 PMCID: PMC6461065 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2019.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the potential associations between chronic kidney disease of uncertain or non-traditional etiology (CKDnT) and agrochemicals, heat stress, heavy metals, and other factors identified in the literature in any region of the world and at any time. METHODS This was a systematic review of the most frequent exposures suspected to be possible causes of CKDnT. A search was conducted of PubMed, LILACS, World Wide Science electronic databases, among other sources. Only medium- and high-quality studies were included. The synthesis of evidence included a narrative synthesis, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. RESULTS Four systematic reviews and 61 primary studies were included. Results of the meta-analysis suggest that exposure to agrochemicals and working in agriculture increase the risk of CKDnT, but this only reached significance for working in agriculture. When cross-sectional studies were excluded, agrochemical exposure became significant. However, there is substantial heterogeneity in the effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS Based on the existing evidence and the precautionary principle, it is important to implement preventive measures to mitigate the damage caused by CKDnT to both agricultural workers and their communities (i.e., improvement of working conditions, cautious management of agrochemicals, etc.). More high-quality research is needed to measure impact and to build the evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Chapman
- Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) Brasilia Brazil Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Michelle M Haby
- Universidad de Sonora Universidad de Sonora Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences HermosilloSonora Mexico Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Universidad de Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Illanes
- Universidad Mayor, a Ringgold standard institution Universidad Mayor, a Ringgold standard institution School of Psychology Santiago Chile School of Psychology, Universidad Mayor, a Ringgold standard institution, Santiago, Chile
| | - Julian Sanchez-Viamonte
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata Escuela Universitaria de Recursos Humanos del Equipo de Salud Informática en Ciencias de la Salud Buenos Aires Argentina Informática en Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela Universitaria de Recursos Humanos del Equipo de Salud, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanessa Elias
- Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health WashingtonDC United States of America Department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health, Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Ludovic Reveiz
- Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health WashingtonDC United States of America Department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health, Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States of America
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12
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González-Quiroz M, Pearce N, Caplin B, Nitsch D. What do epidemiological studies tell us about chronic kidney disease of undetermined cause in Meso-America? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Kidney J 2018; 11:496-506. [PMID: 30094014 PMCID: PMC6070103 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfx136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this systematic review is to examine the epidemiological knowledge and gaps in understanding of the potential causes of chronic kidney disease of undetermined cause (CKDu) in Meso-America. METHODS A systematic literature search of epidemiological studies of CKDu was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science from January 2000 to January 2017. Study quality was assessed by adapting the tool from Higgins et al. for observational studies. Where applicable, the summary prevalence odds ratio (POR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random effects model. RESULTS Twenty-five epidemiological studies were included in the analysis of risk factors for CKDu. The quality assessment of each occupational and community study was medium. The PORs for CKDu were males versus females 2.42 (95% CI 1.76-3.08), family history of CKD (versus none) 1.84 (95% CI 1.37-2.30), high water intake (versus low) 1.61 (95% CI 1.01-2.21) and low altitude (versus highland) 2.09 (95% CI 1.00-3.17). There were no significant associations between CKDu and pesticide exposure (versus no) 1.17 (95% CI 0.87-1.46), alcohol consumption (versus no) 1.34 (95% CI 0.84-1.84), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (versus no) 0.99 (95% CI 0.60-1.39) and heat stress (versus no) 1.52 (95% CI -0.91 - 3.95). CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis showed positive associations for males (versus females) and family history of CKD, water intake, lowland altitude and CKDu. There were no significant associations with pesticide exposure, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs intake, heat stress and alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin González-Quiroz
- Research Centre on Health, Work and Environment (CISTA), National Autonomous University of Nicaragua at León (UNAN-León), León, Nicaragua
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Centre for Nephrology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Neil Pearce
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Centre for Global NCDs, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ben Caplin
- Centre for Nephrology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dorothea Nitsch
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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13
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Obrador GT, Schultheiss UT, Kretzler M, Langham RG, Nangaku M, Pecoits-Filho R, Pollock C, Rossert J, Correa-Rotter R, Stenvinkel P, Walker R, Yang CW, Fox CS, Köttgen A. Genetic and environmental risk factors for chronic kidney disease. Kidney Int Suppl (2011) 2017; 7:88-106. [PMID: 30675423 DOI: 10.1016/j.kisu.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to change the current state of chronic kidney disease knowledge and therapeutics, a fundamental improvement in the understanding of genetic and environmental causes of chronic kidney disease is essential. This article first provides an overview of the existing knowledge gaps in our understanding of the genetic and environmental causes of chronic kidney disease, as well as their interactions. The second part of the article formulates goals that should be achieved in order to close these gaps, along with suggested timelines and stakeholders that are to be involved. A better understanding of genetic and environmental factors and their interactions that influence kidney function in healthy and diseased conditions can provide novel insights into renal physiology and pathophysiology and result in the identification of novel therapeutic or preventive targets to tackle the global public health care problem of chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio T Obrador
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health, Universidad Panamericana School of Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ulla T Schultheiss
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Renal Division, Department of Medicine IV, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kretzler
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Robyn G Langham
- Monash Rural Health, Monash University, Clayton VIC, Australia
| | - Masaomi Nangaku
- Department of Hemodialysis and Apheresis, Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Roberto Pecoits-Filho
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Carol Pollock
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Ricardo Correa-Rotter
- Department of Nephrology and Mineral Metabolism, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zuibrán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Peter Stenvinkel
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robert Walker
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Chih-Wei Yang
- Kidney Research Center, Department of Nephrology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Caroline S Fox
- Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Merck Research Laboratories, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna Köttgen
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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14
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Valcke M, Levasseur ME, Soares da Silva A, Wesseling C. Pesticide exposures and chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology: an epidemiologic review. Environ Health 2017; 16:49. [PMID: 28535811 PMCID: PMC5442867 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0254-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The main causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) globally are diabetes and hypertension but epidemics of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) occur in Central America, Sri Lanka, India and beyond. Althoug also being observed in women, CKDu concentrates among men in agricultural sectors. Therefore, suspicions fell initially on pesticide exposure, but currently chronic heat stress and dehydration are considered key etiologic factors. Responding to persistent community and scientific concerns about the role of pesticides, we performed a systematic review of epidemiologic studies that addressed associations between any indicator of pesticide exposure and any outcome measure of CKD. Of the 21 analytical studies we identified, seven were categorized as with low, ten with medium and four with relatively high explanation value. Thirteen (62%) studies reported one or more positive associations, but four had a low explanation value and three presented equivocal results. The main limitations of both positive and negative studies were unspecific and unquantified exposure measurement ('pesticides'), the cross-sectional nature of most studies, confounding and selection bias. The four studies with stronger designs and better exposure assessment (from Sri Lanka, India and USA) all showed exposure-responses or clear associations, but for different pesticides in each study, and three of these studies were conducted in areas without CKDu epidemics. No study investigated interactions between pesticides and other concommittant exposures in agricultural occupations, in particular heat stress and dehydration. In conclusion, existing studies provide scarce evidence for an association between pesticides and regional CKDu epidemics but, given the poor pesticide exposure assessment in the majority, a role of nephrotoxic agrochemicals cannot be conclusively discarded. Future research should procure assessment of lifetime exposures to relevant specific pesticides and enough power to look into interactions with other major risk factors, in particular heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Valcke
- WHO-PAHO Collaborating Centre on Environmental and Occupational Health Impact Assessment and Surveillance INSPQ-CHUQ-DSPQ, 945, Avenue Wolfe, Québec, G1V 5B3 Canada
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal, H3C 3J7 Canada
| | - Marie-Eve Levasseur
- WHO-PAHO Collaborating Centre on Environmental and Occupational Health Impact Assessment and Surveillance INSPQ-CHUQ-DSPQ, 945, Avenue Wolfe, Québec, G1V 5B3 Canada
| | - Agnes Soares da Silva
- Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), 525 Twenty-third Street, N.W, Washington DC, 20037 USA
| | - Catharina Wesseling
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, SE Sweden
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15
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González-Quiroz M, Camacho A, Faber D, Aragón A, Wesseling C, Glaser J, Le Blond J, Smeeth L, Nitsch D, Pearce N, Caplin B. Rationale, description and baseline findings of a community-based prospective cohort study of kidney function amongst the young rural population of Northwest Nicaragua. BMC Nephrol 2017; 18:16. [PMID: 28086816 PMCID: PMC5237152 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-016-0422-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An epidemic of Mesoamerican Nephropathy (MeN) is killing thousands of agricultural workers along the Pacific coast of Central America, but the natural history and aetiology of the disease remain poorly understood. We have recently commenced a community-based longitudinal study to investigate Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Nicaragua. Although logistically challenging, study designs of this type have the potential to provide important insights that other study designs cannot. In this paper we discuss the rationale for conducting this study and summarize the findings of the baseline visit. Methods The baseline visit of the community-based cohort study was conducted in 9 communities in the North Western Nicaragua in October and November 2014. All of the young men, and a random sample of young women (aged 18–30) without a pre-existing diagnosis of CKD were invited to participate. Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated with CKD-EPI equation, along with clinical measurements, questionnaires, biological and environmental samples to evaluate participants’ exposures to proposed risk factors for MeN. Results We identified 520 young adults (286 males and 234 females) in the 9 different communities. Of these, 16 males with self-reported CKD and 5 females with diagnoses of either diabetes or hypertension were excluded from the study population. All remaining 270 men and 90 women, selected at random, were then invited to participate in the study; 350 (97%) agreed to participate. At baseline, 29 (11%) men and 1 (1%) woman had an eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Conclusion Conducting a community based study of this type requires active the involvement of communities and commitment from local leaders. Furthermore, a research team with strong links to the area and broad understanding of the context of the problem being studied is essential. The key findings will arise from follow-up, but it is striking that 5% of males under aged 30 had to be excluded because of pre-existing kidney disease, and that despite doing so 11% of males had an eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12882-016-0422-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin González-Quiroz
- Research Centre on Health, Work and Environment (CISTA), National Autonomous University of Nicaragua at León (UNAN-León), Campus Médico, Facultad de Ciencias Médica, Edificio C (CISTA), León, Nicaragua. .,Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK. .,Centre for Nephrology, University College London Medical School, London, UK.
| | - Armando Camacho
- Research Centre on Health, Work and Environment (CISTA), National Autonomous University of Nicaragua at León (UNAN-León), Campus Médico, Facultad de Ciencias Médica, Edificio C (CISTA), León, Nicaragua
| | | | - Aurora Aragón
- Research Centre on Health, Work and Environment (CISTA), National Autonomous University of Nicaragua at León (UNAN-León), Campus Médico, Facultad de Ciencias Médica, Edificio C (CISTA), León, Nicaragua
| | - Catharina Wesseling
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Liam Smeeth
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Dorothea Nitsch
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Neil Pearce
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Centre for Global NCDs, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ben Caplin
- Centre for Nephrology, University College London Medical School, London, UK
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16
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Levine KE, Redmon JH, Elledge MF, Wanigasuriya KP, Smith K, Munoz B, Waduge VA, Periris-John RJ, Sathiakumar N, Harrington JM, Womack DS, Wickremasinghe R. Quest to identify geochemical risk factors associated with chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in an endemic region of Sri Lanka-a multimedia laboratory analysis of biological, food, and environmental samples. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:548. [PMID: 27591985 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5524-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of a new form of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka's North Central Province (NCP) has become a catastrophic health crisis. CKDu is characterized as slowly progressing, irreversible, and asymptomatic until late stages and, importantly, not attributed to diabetes, hypertension, or other known risk factors. It is postulated that the etiology of CKDu is multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, nutritional and dehydration status, exposure to one or more environmental nephrotoxins, and lifestyle factors. The objective of this limited geochemical laboratory analysis was to determine the concentration of a suite of heavy metals and trace element nutrients in biological samples (human whole blood and hair) and environmental samples (drinking water, rice, soil, and freshwater fish) collected from two towns within the endemic NCP region in 2012 and 2013. This broad panel, metallomics/mineralomics approach was used to shed light on potential geochemical risk factors associated with CKDu. Based on prior literature documentation of potential nephrotoxins that may play a role in the genesis and progression of CKDu, heavy metals and fluoride were selected for analysis. The geochemical concentrations in biological and environmental media areas were quantified. Basic statistical measurements were subsequently used to compare media against applicable benchmark values, such as US soil screening levels. Cadmium, lead, and mercury were detected at concentrations exceeding US reference values in many of the biological samples, suggesting that study participants are subjected to chronic, low-level exposure to these elements. Within the limited number of environmental media samples, arsenic was determined to exceed initial risk screening and background concentration values in soil, while data collected from drinking water samples reflected the unique hydrogeochemistry of the region, including the prevalence of hard or very hard water, and fluoride, iron, manganese, sodium, and lead exceeding applicable drinking water standards in some instances. Current literature suggests that the etiology of CKDu is likely multifactorial, with no single biological or hydrogeochemical parameter directly related to disease genesis and progression. This preliminary screening identified that specific constituents may be present above levels of concern, but does not compare results against specific kidney toxicity values or cumulative risk related to a multifactorial disease process. The data collected from this limited investigation are intended to be used in the subsequent study design of a comprehensive and multifactorial etiological study of CKDu risk factors that includes sample collection, individual surveys, and laboratory analyses to more fully evaluate the potential environmental, behavioral, genetic, and lifestyle risk factors associated with CKDu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith E Levine
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA.
| | | | - Myles F Elledge
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | | | - Kristin Smith
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Breda Munoz
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | | | - Roshini J Periris-John
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nalini Sathiakumar
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - James M Harrington
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Donna S Womack
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
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17
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Levine KE, Redmon JH, Elledge MF, Wanigasuriya KP, Smith K, Munoz B, Waduge VA, Periris-John RJ, Sathiakumar N, Harrington JM, Womack DS, Wickremasinghe R. Quest to identify geochemical risk factors associated with chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in an endemic region of Sri Lanka-a multimedia laboratory analysis of biological, food, and environmental samples. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:548. [PMID: 27591985 DOI: 10.3768/rtipress.2014.rb.0007.1405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of a new form of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka's North Central Province (NCP) has become a catastrophic health crisis. CKDu is characterized as slowly progressing, irreversible, and asymptomatic until late stages and, importantly, not attributed to diabetes, hypertension, or other known risk factors. It is postulated that the etiology of CKDu is multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, nutritional and dehydration status, exposure to one or more environmental nephrotoxins, and lifestyle factors. The objective of this limited geochemical laboratory analysis was to determine the concentration of a suite of heavy metals and trace element nutrients in biological samples (human whole blood and hair) and environmental samples (drinking water, rice, soil, and freshwater fish) collected from two towns within the endemic NCP region in 2012 and 2013. This broad panel, metallomics/mineralomics approach was used to shed light on potential geochemical risk factors associated with CKDu. Based on prior literature documentation of potential nephrotoxins that may play a role in the genesis and progression of CKDu, heavy metals and fluoride were selected for analysis. The geochemical concentrations in biological and environmental media areas were quantified. Basic statistical measurements were subsequently used to compare media against applicable benchmark values, such as US soil screening levels. Cadmium, lead, and mercury were detected at concentrations exceeding US reference values in many of the biological samples, suggesting that study participants are subjected to chronic, low-level exposure to these elements. Within the limited number of environmental media samples, arsenic was determined to exceed initial risk screening and background concentration values in soil, while data collected from drinking water samples reflected the unique hydrogeochemistry of the region, including the prevalence of hard or very hard water, and fluoride, iron, manganese, sodium, and lead exceeding applicable drinking water standards in some instances. Current literature suggests that the etiology of CKDu is likely multifactorial, with no single biological or hydrogeochemical parameter directly related to disease genesis and progression. This preliminary screening identified that specific constituents may be present above levels of concern, but does not compare results against specific kidney toxicity values or cumulative risk related to a multifactorial disease process. The data collected from this limited investigation are intended to be used in the subsequent study design of a comprehensive and multifactorial etiological study of CKDu risk factors that includes sample collection, individual surveys, and laboratory analyses to more fully evaluate the potential environmental, behavioral, genetic, and lifestyle risk factors associated with CKDu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith E Levine
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA.
| | | | - Myles F Elledge
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | | | - Kristin Smith
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Breda Munoz
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | | | - Roshini J Periris-John
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nalini Sathiakumar
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - James M Harrington
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
| | - Donna S Womack
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, USA
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18
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Minnings K, Fiore M, Mosco M, Ferguson R, Leatherman S, Kerns E, Kaufman J, Fiore M, Brooks D, Amador JJ, Paulsen H, Ernstberger Z, Trejo B, Sullivan E, Lichtman A, Nobil K, Lawlor M, Parker C, Parekh R, Fiore L. The Rivas Cohort Study: design and baseline characteristics of a Nicaraguan cohort. BMC Nephrol 2016; 17:93. [PMID: 27456863 PMCID: PMC4959050 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-016-0320-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A lack of advanced healthcare information systems and validated scientific cohorts in Nicaragua makes it difficult to estimate disease prevalences and other public health statistics. Although there is concern of an “epidemic” of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in this country, statistics regarding its magnitude are derived from only a small number of non-representative studies. Budgetary constraints and the logistical problems of maintaining a study cohort make longitudinal studies difficult. The Rivas Cohort was created to measure disease burden of CKD and other public health priorities in the Department of Rivas, Nicaragua. Using primarily volunteer research students and technologic innovation including GPS, digital photography and point of care biochemical analysis, the ability to establish a longitudinal chronic disease cohort is demonstrated. Methods Subjects were recruited from consecutive adjacent households in thirty-two randomly selected communities in the ten municipalities that comprise the Department of Rivas in southern Pacific coastal Nicaragua. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, subjects were enrolled into the cohort and consented for future re-contact. In Phase II, conducted two years later, attempts were made to re-contact 400 of these subjects for additional data collection. Demographic, lifestyle, occupational, exposure and health data was collected for both phases of the study. Blood and urine testing and height, weight and blood pressure measurements were also performed. GPS coordinates of homes were recorded and maps of remote communities created. Results Of 1397 adults living in 533 households approached for participation a total of 1242 (89 %) were enrolled in the cohort. The median age is 41 years and 43 % are male, demographics in agreement with Nicaraguan census data for the Department of Rivas. During Phase II we attempted to re-contact 400 subjects for a follow-up study of CKD. It was possible to re-contact 84 % of these participants and of those re-contacted 95 % agreed to participate in the follow-up study. Of subjects that were not successfully re-contacted the majority had either moved (32) or were not at home (22) at the time of the study team visits. Conclusion The Rivas Cohort Study enrolled a representative sample of 1242 adults living in the Department of Rivas, Nicaragua. The high re-contact and participation rates at two years suggests that the cohort is suitable for long-term studies and presents opportunities for investigations of disease prevalence, incidence, treatment and other public health matters. GPS coordinates and maps are available for future researchers who wish to use the cohort for additional studies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12882-016-0320-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailey Minnings
- University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Madeline Fiore
- UMass Medical School, 55 N Lake Ave, Chestnut St. Apt 21, Worcester, MA 01604 34, UK.,UMass Medical School, 55 N Lake Ave, Chestnut St. Apt 21, Worcester, MA 01609, UK
| | - Martha Mosco
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 16 Oak Manor Dr. Barrington, Barrington, RI, 02806, USA
| | - Ryan Ferguson
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center Health, 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Sarah Leatherman
- VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Eric Kerns
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, APC 9, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - James Kaufman
- VA New York Healthcare System, 423 East 23rd Street, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Melissa Fiore
- Athena Health, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA.,Athena Health, 18 Parker Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Daniel Brooks
- Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, T317E, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Juan Jose Amador
- Boston University, 715 Albany St., Talbot 3 East, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Hillary Paulsen
- Boston Children's Hospital, 401 Park Dr., 6th Floor, Landmark Center, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Boston Children's Hospital, 12 Greenway Ct. Apt. 3, Brookline, MA, 02446, USA
| | - Zachary Ernstberger
- Indiana University School of Medicine, 340 West 10th Street, Suite 6200, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Indiana University School of Medicine, 1547 N. College Ave, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Bricia Trejo
- Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue 4th Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Boston University School of Public Health, 60 Parkway Road, Newton, MA, 02460, USA
| | - Elyse Sullivan
- Northeastern University, 350 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Northeastern University, 255 Newbury Street, Apr1R, Boston, MA, 02116, USA
| | - Amos Lichtman
- UMass Medical School, 55 N Lake Ave, Worcester, MA, 01604, USA.,UMass Medical School, 60 Parkway Rd., Newton, MA, 02460, USA
| | - Keriann Nobil
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 N. Lake Ave, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.,University of Massachusetts Medical School, 285 Plantation St Apt 522, Worcester, MA, 01604, USA
| | - Matthew Lawlor
- Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, 72 E. Concord Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, 255 Newbury St 1R, Boston, MA, 02116, USA
| | - Cassandra Parker
- Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, 160 E Berkeley St. Apt 304, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Rulan Parekh
- Hospital for Sick Children, University Health Network and University of Toronto, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G1X8, Canada
| | - Louis Fiore
- Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health, 72 E. Concord Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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19
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Lunyera J, Mohottige D, Von Isenburg M, Jeuland M, Patel UD, Stanifer JW. CKD of Uncertain Etiology: A Systematic Review. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 11:379-85. [PMID: 26712810 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.07500715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Epidemics of CKD of uncertain etiology (CKDu) are emerging around the world. Highlighting common risk factors for CKD of uncertain etiology across various regions and populations may be important for health policy and public health responses. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify published studies on CKDu. The search was generated in January of 2015; no language or date limits were used. We used a vote-counting method to evaluate exposures across all studies. RESULTS We identified 1607 articles, of which 26 met inclusion criteria. Eighteen (69%) were conducted in known CKDu-endemic countries: Sri Lanka (38%), Nicaragua (19%), and El Salvador (12%). The other studies were from India, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Sweden, Tunisia, Tanzania, and the United States. Heavy metals, heat stress, and dietary exposures were reported across all geographic regions. In south Asia, family history, agrochemical use, and heavy metal exposures were reported most frequently, whereas altitude and temperature were reported only in studies from Central America. Across all regions, CKDu was most frequently associated with a family history of CKDu, agricultural occupation, men, middle age, snake bite, and heavy metal exposure. CONCLUSIONS Studies examining etiologies of CKDu have reported many exposures that are heterogeneous and vary by region. To identify etiologies of CKDu, designing consistent and comparative multisite studies across high-risk populations may help elucidate the importance of region-specific versus global risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marc Jeuland
- Duke Global Health Institute, Sanford School of Public Policy, and Institute of Water Policy, Lee Kwan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Uptal D Patel
- Duke Global Health Institute, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; and
| | - John W Stanifer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Departments of Medicine and Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; and
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20
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Ramírez-Rubio O, Amador JJ, Kaufman JS, Weiner DE, Parikh CR, Khan U, McClean MD, Laws RL, López-Pilarte D, Friedman DJ, Kupferman J, Brooks DR. Urine biomarkers of kidney injury among adolescents in Nicaragua, a region affected by an epidemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2015; 31:424-32. [PMID: 26311057 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfv292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An epidemic of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of non-traditional aetiology has been recently recognized by health authorities as a public health priority in Central America. Previous studies have identified strenuous manual work, agricultural activities and residence at low altitude as potential risk factors; however, the aetiology remains unknown. Because individuals are frequently diagnosed with CKD in early adulthood, we measured biomarkers of kidney injury among adolescents in different regions of Nicaragua to assess whether kidney damage might be initiated during childhood. METHODS Participants include 200 adolescents aged 12-18 years with no prior work history from four different schools in Nicaragua. The location of the school served as a proxy for environmental exposures and geographic locations were selected to represent a range of factors that have been associated with CKD in adults (e.g. altitude, primary industry and CKD mortality rates). Questionnaires, urine dipsticks and kidney injury biomarkers [interleukin-18, N-acetyl-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and albumin-creatinine ratio] were assessed. Biomarker concentrations were compared by school using linear regression models. RESULTS Protein (3.5%) and glucose (1%) in urine measured by dipstick were rare and did not differ by school. Urine biomarkers of tubular kidney damage, particularly NGAL and NAG, showed higher concentrations in those schools and regions within Nicaragua that were defined a priori as having increased CKD risk. Painful urination was a frequent self-reported symptom. CONCLUSIONS Although interpretation of these urine biomarkers is limited because of the lack of population reference values, results suggest the possibility of early kidney damage prior to occupational exposures in these adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriana Ramírez-Rubio
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Juan José Amador
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James S Kaufman
- Research Service, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System and New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel E Weiner
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chirag R Parikh
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA Program of Applied Translational Research, Department of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Usman Khan
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA Program of Applied Translational Research, Department of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael D McClean
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca L Laws
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Damaris López-Pilarte
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David J Friedman
- Renal Division and Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Kupferman
- Renal Division and Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel R Brooks
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Correa-Rotter R, Wesseling C, Johnson RJ. CKD of unknown origin in Central America: the case for a Mesoamerican nephropathy. Am J Kidney Dis 2014; 63:506-20. [PMID: 24412050 PMCID: PMC7115712 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2013.10.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
An epidemic of chronic kidney disease of unknown origin has emerged in the last decade in Central America and has been named Mesoamerican nephropathy. This form of chronic kidney disease is present primarily in young male agricultural workers from communities along the Pacific coast, especially workers in the sugarcane fields. In general, these men have a history of manual labor under very hot conditions in agricultural fields. Clinically, they usually present with normal or mildly elevated systemic blood pressure, asymptomatic yet progressive reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate, low-grade non-nephrotic proteinuria, and often hyperuricemia and or hypokalemia. Diabetes is absent in this population. Kidney biopsies that have been performed show a chronic tubulointerstitial disease with associated secondary glomerulosclerosis and some signs of glomerular ischemia. The cause of the disease is unknown; this article discusses and analyzes some of the etiologic possibilities currently under consideration. It is relevant to highlight that recurrent dehydration is suggested in multiple studies, a condition that possibly could be exacerbated in some cases by other conditions, including the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. At present, Mesoamerican nephropathy is a medical enigma yet to be solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Correa-Rotter
- Department of Nephrology and Mineral Metabolism, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Catharina Wesseling
- Program on Work, Environment and Health in Central America (SALTRA), Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Richard J Johnson
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, University of Colorado, Denver, CO
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22
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Wijkström J, Leiva R, Elinder CG, Leiva S, Trujillo Z, Trujillo L, Söderberg M, Hultenby K, Wernerson A. Clinical and pathological characterization of Mesoamerican nephropathy: a new kidney disease in Central America. Am J Kidney Dis 2013; 62:908-18. [PMID: 23850447 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2013.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An endemic of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown cause among rural inhabitants in Central America has been identified. Young and otherwise healthy men working in plantations are frequently affected. The name Mesoamerican nephropathy (MeN) has been suggested. Clinically, MeN presents with low-grade proteinuria and progressive kidney failure. The renal pathology of this disease has not yet been described. STUDY DESIGN Case series. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 8 male patients with CKD of unknown cause and clinically suspected MeN were recruited from a nephrology unit in El Salvador. All recruited patients had been working on plantations. Kidney biopsies, blood, and urine samples were collected. OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS Renal morphology examined with light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy; clinical and biochemical characteristics. RESULTS A similar pattern was seen in all 8 biopsy specimens, with extensive glomerulosclerosis (29%-78%) and signs of chronic glomerular ischemia in combination with tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis, but only mild vascular lesions. Electron microscopy indicates podocytic injury. Biochemical workup showed reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (27-79 mL/min/1.73 m(2) with the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration [CKD-EPI] creatinine equation), low-grade albuminuria, and increased levels of tubular injury biomarkers. Hypokalemia was found in 6 of 8 patients. LIMITATIONS Small number of patients from one country. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first report of the biochemical and morphologic findings in patients with MeN. Our findings indicate that MeN constitutes a previously unrecognized kidney disease with damage to both glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Wijkström
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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23
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Ramirez-Rubio O, Brooks DR, Amador JJ, Kaufman JS, Weiner DE, Scammell MK. Chronic kidney disease in Nicaragua: a qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with physicians and pharmacists. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:350. [PMID: 23590528 PMCID: PMC3637184 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Northwestern Nicaragua has a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown cause among young adult men. In addition, frequent occurrence of urinary tract infections (UTI) among men and a dysuria syndrome described by sugarcane workers as "chistata" are both reported. This study examines health professionals´ perceptions regarding etiology of these conditions and their treatment approaches, including use of potentially nephrotoxic medications. METHODS Nineteen in-person semi-structured interviews were conducted in November 2010 among ten physicians and nine pharmacists practicing in the region. RESULTS Health professionals perceived CKD as a serious and increasing problem in the region, primarily affecting young men working as manual laborers. All interviewees regarded occupational and environmental exposure to sun and heat, and dehydration as critical factors associated with the occurrence of CKD. These factors were also considered to play a role in the occurrence of chistata in the region. Health professionals indicated that reluctance among workers to hydrate might be influenced by perceptions of water contamination. Symptoms often were treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics and antibiotics. Physicians acknowledged that the diagnosis of UTI usually was not based on microbial culture and opined that the use of potentially nephrotoxic medications may be contributing to CKD. CONCLUSIONS Interviews provided evidence suggesting that medications such as diuretics, antibiotics and NSAIDs are widely used and sold over the counter for symptoms that may be related to dehydration and volume depletion. These factors, alone or in combination, may be possible contributors to kidney damage. Acute kidney damage coupled with volume depletion and exposures including medications and infectious agents should be further evaluated as causal factors for CKD in this region.
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24
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Weiner DE, McClean MD, Kaufman JS, Brooks DR. The Central American epidemic of CKD. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2012; 8:504-11. [PMID: 23099656 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.05050512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent reports have described an apparent epidemic of CKD along the Pacific coast of Central America, such that CKD is a leading cause of death among working-age men in lower-altitude agricultural communities in this region. Given the limited availability of kidney replacement therapies in this region, CKD often is a terminal diagnosis, lending greater urgency to the identification of a modifiable cause. This article discusses the epidemiology of CKD in this region, reviews the clinical features of this CKD outbreak, discusses potential causes and the evidence supporting these hypotheses, and highlights the wider implications of this epidemic of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Weiner
- Division of Nephrology, Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
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25
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Brooks DR, Ramirez-Rubio O, Amador JJ. CKD in Central America: a hot issue. Am J Kidney Dis 2012; 59:481-4. [PMID: 22444491 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2012.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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