stella
Kidney DiseaseApril 2024Summary reviewed June 2026

What the DAPA-CKD Analysis Found — Heat Exposure and Kidney Disease Progression

Researchers analyzed data from over 4,000 kidney disease patients across 21 countries. They found that people exposed to more hot days experienced faster decline in kidney function over time.

What the trial was testing

The DAPA-CKD enrolled 4,304 patients with kidney disease. The study was sponsored by AstraZeneca and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

Researchers followed patients through treatment and into recovery, tracking the outcomes that mattered most for the disease being studied.

What the results showed

Hot days were linked to faster kidney function loss in people with chronic kidney disease.

The Lancet. Planetary health · 2024 · NCT03036150

These findings — that extra loss of kidney function per year in very hot versus temperate climates — were published in the The Lancet. Planetary health and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 4,304 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with kidney disease, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

This was an analysis of existing trial data, not a treatment study. If you have kidney disease, talk to your doctor about staying cool during hot weather and managing heat exposure, especially if you live in a hot climate or work outdoors.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.