Kidney Function in Factory Workers Exposed to Heat Stress: A 2-Year Follow-up Study.

Abstract

The aims of the study are to re-evaluate kidney function in workers exposed and not exposed to heat stress after 2 years and to compare kidney function cross-shift using creatinine and cystatin C. Participants were workers from a metallurgical industry. The clinical and biochemical markers of hydration and kidney function were evaluated before and after a single shift in work. We included 14 workers (6 in the heat group and 8 in the control group). The serum creatinine levels did not change during the follow-up period. Cross-shift, creatinine-based eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) decreased, and cystatin C-based eGFR was maintained in the heat and control groups. Workers exposed to heat stress maintained their kidney function after a 2-year follow-up. Cystatin C is a better kidney function marker than creatinine for cross-shift assessments in this setting.