Changes in kidney function among Nicaraguan sugarcane workers.

Authors :: Laws RL
Brooks DR
Amador JJ
Weiner DE
Kaufman JS
Ramírez-Rubio O
Riefkohl A
Scammell MK
López-Pilarte D
Sánchez JM
Parikh CR
McClean MD
Source :: International journal of occupational and environmental health [Int J Occup Environ Health] 2015 Jul-Sep; Vol. 21 (3), pp. 241-50. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Jan 28.
Publication Year :: 2015
Abstract: Background: There is an epidemic of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown etiology in Central American workers.<br />Objectives: To investigate changes and job-specific differences in kidney function over a 6-month sugarcane harvest season, explore the potential role of hydration, and measure proteinuria.<br />Methods: We recruited 284 Nicaraguan sugarcane workers performing seven distinct tasks. We measured urine albumin and serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).<br />Results: eGFR varied by job and decreased during the harvest in seed cutters (-8·6 ml/min/1·73 m(2)), irrigators (-7·4 ml/min/1·73 m(2)), and cane cutters (-5·0 ml/min/1·73 m(2)), as compared to factory workers. The number of years employed at the company was negatively associated with eGFR. Fewer than 5% of workers had albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) >30 mg/g.<br />Conclusions: The decline in kidney function during the harvest and the differences by job category and employment duration provide evidence that one or more risk factors of CKD are occupational.