Increased Risk of Mortality for Dialysis Patients During Hotter Weather Conditions

Emerging research indicates that higher ambient temperatures are linked to increased mortality rates among individuals undergoing dialysis. A study published in the February issue of the Clinical Kidney Journal analyzed a large cohort of patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5, including those treated with dialysis and those with kidney transplants. The retrospective analysis covered data from 2012 to 2022 and involved over 180,000 patients.

The study found significant temperature fluctuations between June and September, ranging from 6.7°C to as high as 45.4°C. During this period, there were reported deaths totaling over 20,000 in dialysis patients and over 3,300 in transplant recipients. Notably, a maximum temperature exceeding 32.5°C was associated with a 9% increase in mortality risk among dialysis patients. Interestingly, this association was not observed in patients who had received a kidney transplant.

The researchers emphasize that these findings underscore the importance of considering environmental factors like heat when managing dialysis patients. They also highlight the need for further studies to explore the biological mechanisms underpinning this increased risk and to identify strategies to mitigate heat-related health threats, especially as global temperatures continue to rise.

The study’s authors suggest that additional research is required to explore the impact of heat on hospitalization causes and overall health outcomes among these vulnerable populations. They also stress the importance of integrating environmental considerations into health care planning for patients with kidney disease.

For more detailed insights, see the original study: Cécile Couchoud et al, "Moderately elevated ambient temperature is associated with mortality in dialysis patients, but not in transplant patients," Clinical Kidney Journal (2024). Source: Medical Xpress.