Concetti Chiave
Exposure to extreme heat, especially in dry conditions, can contribute to reduced kidney function in older adults, as evidenced by increased plasma creatinine and cystatin C levels.
Sintesi
The study investigated the impact of extreme heat exposure on kidney function in 20 young (21-39 years) and 18 older (65-76 years) adults from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Participants underwent heat exposure in a chamber at 47°C (116°F) and 15% relative humidity (dry setting) and 41°C (105°F) and 40% relative humidity (humid setting) on separate days, while performing light physical activity and staying hydrated.
Key findings:
- In the dry setting, older adults showed a modest increase in plasma creatinine (difference of 0.10 mg/dL at end-heating and 0.17 mg/dL at 2 hours post-exposure) and cystatin C (difference of 0.29 mg/L at end-heating and 0.28 mg/L at 2 hours post-exposure).
- In the humid setting, the increase in plasma creatinine in older adults was much more modest (difference of 0.06 mg/dL at 2 hours post-exposure).
- Young adults did not show any significant changes in cystatin C levels, but had a modest increase in plasma creatinine (difference of 0.06 mg/dL at 2 hours post-exposure).
The authors suggest that the heightened thermal strain in older adults during extreme heat, especially in dry conditions, may contribute to reduced kidney function. The use of plasma-based markers, short laboratory-based exposure, and a small sample size were limitations that could affect the generalizability of the findings.
Statistiche
Older adults in the dry setting showed a 0.10 mg/dL increase in plasma creatinine at end-heating and a 0.17 mg/dL increase at 2 hours post-exposure.
Older adults in the dry setting showed a 0.29 mg/L increase in plasma cystatin C at end-heating and a 0.28 mg/L increase at 2 hours post-exposure.
Older adults in the humid setting showed a 0.06 mg/dL increase in plasma creatinine at 2 hours post-exposure.
Young adults showed a 0.06 mg/dL increase in plasma creatinine at 2 hours post-exposure.
Citazioni
"These findings provide limited evidence that the heightened thermal strain in older adults during extreme heat may contribute to reduced kidney function."