Kidney Week

Abstract: SA-PO1043

Sex Differences in the Impact of Heat Stress on Kidney Function in a Large Taiwanese Population Study

Session Information

• Women's Health and Kidney Diseases
  October 26, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Women's Health and Kidney Diseases

• 2200 Women's Health and Kidney Diseases

Authors

• Chen, Yi-Kong, Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Yi-Kong Chen, MD

• Lin, Yi-Ting, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Yi-Ting Lin, MD, PhD

• Lin, Ming-Yen, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Ming-Yen Lin, PhD

• Wu, Ping-Hsun, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Ping-Hsun Wu, MD, MS

• Kuo, Mei-Chuan, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Mei-Chuan Kuo, MD

• Hwang, Shang-Jyh, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Shang-Jyh Hwang, MD

• Chang, Jer-Ming, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Jer-Ming Chang, MD, PhD

• Chiu, Yi-Wen, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Yi-Wen Chiu, MD

• Chen, Szu-Chia, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Szu-Chia Chen

Group or Team Name

• Div of Nephrology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital.

Background

Taiwan, a region with high dialysis incidence and prevalence, prioritizes mitigating chronic kidney disease (CKD) and declining kidney function. Heat stress is a significant CKD risk factor and impairs kidney function. Yet, the impact of heat stress differs between males and females and remains unexplored.

Methods

We conducted this retrospective cross-sectional analysis using data from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB), incorporating records of the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) during midday (11 AM - 2 PM) and working hours (8 AM - 5 PM) periods based on the participants’ residential address. Average 1-, 3-, and 5-year WBGT values prior to the survey year were calculated and analyzed using a geospatial artificial intelligence-based ensemble mixed spatial model, covering the period from 2010 to 2020.

Results

Our study included 114,483 TWB participants, of whom 35.9% were male and 1,053 showed impaired kidney function (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m²). Multivariable analysis revealed that for male participants during midday, increases in 1-, 3-, and 5-year average WBGT values were significantly positively linked to impaired kidney function. No significant associations were observed during working hours. For female participants, during both midday and working hours, increases in 1-, 3-, and 5-year average WBGT values were significantly negatively associated with impaired kidney function.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our results revealed that a high WBGT was associated with impaired kidney function in males, whereas a low WGBT was associated with impaired kidney function in females. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms underlying these findings.