Association of Summer Temperatures With Hospital Admissions for Renal Diseases in New York State: A Case-Crossover Study

This study assessed the association between high temperatures and increased odds of hospitalization for renal diseases that, to date, has been examined in only a small number of studies. A case-crossover design was used to study 147,885 hospital admissions with renal diagnoses during July and August, 1991-2004, in New York State. Regional temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure data from automated monitors were used as exposure indicators. By use of time-stratified referent selection and conditional logistic regression analysis, an overall 9% increase in odds of hospitalization for acute renal failure per 5 degrees F (2.78 degrees C) was found for mean temperature at a 1-day lag (odds ratio = 1.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.07, 1.12). The results suggest increased susceptibility to hospitalization for acute renal failure for blacks, Hispanics, people aged 25-44 years, and those in the lowest income quartile. The odds varied geographically with the largest associations found in the more urban regions. Increased odds of hospitalization were also found for urinary tract infections, renal calculi, lower urinary calculi, and other lower urinary tract disorders. The findings can help to identify vulnerable subpopulations and to inform decisions and policies regarding adaptation strategies and heat-warning systems.