Climate change and kidney stones

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Nephrology
• Climate Science

Background:

• Kidney stones represent a growing public health concern with significant economic and quality-of-life impacts.
• Increasing global surface temperatures due to climate change and urbanization are identified as key drivers of kidney stone prevalence.
• Urban heat islands (UHIs) may intensify heat exposure, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and exacerbating existing health disparities.

Approach:

• This review synthesizes current research on the relationship between heat exposure and kidney stone formation.
• It examines how climate change and urbanization contribute to increased risk.
• The review also addresses the social and environmental factors influencing kidney stone epidemiology.

Key Points:

• High temperatures directly increase the risk of kidney stone development.
• Vulnerability to heat effects varies by sex, comorbidities, and population adaptability.
• Urban heat islands (UHIs) amplify temperature extremes, with potential links to historical redlining and health disparities in the U.S.

Conclusions:

• Continued increases in global temperatures and urbanization will likely lead to a higher prevalence of kidney stones.
• Climate change impacts on kidney stone disease may perpetuate social inequalities in kidney health.
• Developing strategies to mitigate heat exposure is crucial for preventing kidney stones and addressing health disparities.