Abstract: TH-PO0563
Kidney Injury Markers and Heat Exposure in the GuLF Cohort
Session Information
- CKD: From Global Burden to Precision Care - Epidemiology, Demographics, Geographies, and Risk Factors
October 22, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)
- 2201 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Authors
- Mohan, Akshaya, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Strasma, Anna, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Watts, Jason A., National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Jardel, Hanna, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Lawrence, Kaitlyn G., National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Sandler, Dale P., National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Background
Exposure to ambient heat has been associated with AKI and CKD. The NIEHS Gulf Long-term Follow-up (GuLF) Study cohort includes participants involved in oil spill response and cleanup following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. We examined multiple climate heat exposure metrics alongside biomarkers indicative of kidney injury.
Methods
A subgroup of 924 males aged 21+ who worked on the cleanup and resided within 60 miles of two clinics (Mobile, AL; New Orleans LA) were selected for kidney biomarker measurement. Daily temperature and humidity data from the PRISM database at 4 km resolution were linked to geocoded participants' residential addresses. Heat exposure metrics included the number of days with heat index >85°F, the number of days exceeding the previous year's 95th percentile heat index (to account for acclimatization), and heat wave days (defined as ≥3 consecutive days over a threshold separated by ≥3 non-hot days). These were assessed over 7, 30, and 365 days prior to biosampling. Kidney function was evaluated using eGFR from serum creatinine and urinary biomarkers KIM-1 and NGAL. Participants' occupations were categorized as outdoor, indoor, or mixed.
Results
Participants had a mean age of 42.5 years, with 45% engaged in outdoor or mixed jobs. Heat exposure was substantial; participants experienced an average of 16 days with maximum temperatures above 85°F in the 30 days prior to sampling, and 174 such days annually. The prevalence of eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m^2 was 7.4%. Elevated urinary KIM-1 was observed in 51%, and NGAL in 2%. Black participants, those with hypertension or diabetes, and older participants tended to have lower eGFR. In multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age and race, eGFR generally declined with increasing heat exposure, though most associations were small and not statistically significant, except for the number of days exceeding the previous year's 95th percentile heat index in the past 30 days, which showed a beta coefficient of -0.7 (p=0.01).
Conclusion
Overall, these findings suggest short-term exposure to unusually high heat may contribute to subtle declines in kidney function, even in a relatively young working population. Further analyses will explore continuous heat exposure measures and additional urinary biomarkers. Clarifying the relationship between heat exposure and kidney injury will be essential for developing protective strategies and identifying at-risk populations.
Funding
- Other NIH Support