Texas Hospitals Spot CKDu in Workers in Their 20s and 30s as 1 in 6 Dialysis Cases Lack Cause
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 15
Texas Hospitals Spot CKDu in Workers in Their 20s and 30s as 1 in 6 Dialysis Cases Lack Cause
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 15
Summary
Houston safety-net hospitals have treated otherwise healthy men in their 20s and 30s for kidney failure, in what doctors say resembles chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology, or CKDu, previously seen in Central America.
Harris County records cited by Texas Monthly found roughly 1 in 6 emergency dialysis cases among uninsured or undocumented patients had no identifiable cause, a pattern experts say is consistent with CKDu.
The suspected Texas patients largely work in construction, roofing and other outdoor jobs in extreme heat, where repeated dehydration, limited water breaks, NSAID use and possible environmental exposures may damage kidneys over time.
CKDu often shows no symptoms until late-stage disease, has no specific diagnostic test or treatment, and can progress to kidney failure within a few years, making twice-yearly blood and urine screening a key recommendation.