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. 2018 Jun;60(6):548-558.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001284.

Risk Factors for Declines in Kidney Function in Sugarcane Workers in Guatemala

Jaime Butler-Dawson  1 , Lyndsay Krisher, Claudia Asensio, Alex Cruz, Liliana Tenney, David Weitzenkamp, Miranda Dally, Edwin J Asturias, Lee S Newman
Affiliations

Risk Factors for Declines in Kidney Function in Sugarcane Workers in Guatemala

Jaime Butler-Dawson et al. J Occup Environ Med. 2018 Jun.

Abstract

Objectives: To characterize kidney function of sugarcane workers in Guatemala over the 6-month harvest and identify risk factors associated with changes in kidney function.

Methods: Demographic and biological data were collected for 330 sugarcane cutters at the beginning and end of the harvest. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess factors related to kidney function.

Results: A decline in kidney function across the harvest was observed in 36% of the participants. Risk factors associated with this decline included working at a particular plantation mill, local area workers compared with highland workers, and current smokers.

Conclusion: Results showed both occupational and behavioral factors play significant roles in declines in kidney function. These results underline the need for a comprehensive approach to the epidemic as well as further investigation of risk factors to guide research and interventions.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Evaluation flow chart.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Distribution of percent change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), across the harvest.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Multiple logistic regression model with risk factors of a percent decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (less than 0%ΔGFR) compared with stable/improving in eGFR (more than or equal to 0%ΔGFR).
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Multinomial logistic regression with three groups of %ΔGFR as the outcome variable (severe decline [more than −20%], mild decline [0% to −20%], and stable or increasing as the reference group [more than or equal to 0%]).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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