Heat Wave Impacts on Chronic Kidney Disease in China

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health concern in China, with an increasing prevalence exacerbated by climate change factors such as heat waves. Annually, CKD contributes to numerous deaths, highlighting the urgent need for research into environmental impacts on disease outcomes.

Method: This study utilized a cohort design with a sample size of 10,000 CKD patients across multiple regions in China. Inclusion criteria involved adults diagnosed with CKD, while excluding those with acute kidney injury. The primary endpoint was CKD mortality during heat wave events, analyzed using Poisson regression to determine mortality risk associated with temperature exposures.

Results: The findings indicated a 20% increase in CKD mortality associated with heat wave exposure, specifically noted during peak temperature days exceeding 35°C. The analysis revealed a risk difference of 18% (95% CI 12% - 25%), with significant correlations found in older adults (aged 65+) and individuals with comorbidities.

Conclusion: The study underscores the critical need for public health interventions to mitigate heat-related health risks, particularly for vulnerable CKD patients, emphasizing the integration of climate considerations into healthcare planning. Limitations include reliance on observational data, suggesting a need for further prospective studies to confirm findings.

Original citation address: https://www.besjournal.com/en/article/doi/10.3967/bes2026.013