A Preliminary Evaluation of the Kidney Function of Sugarcane Cutters From Brazil.

Objective: To evaluate clinical parameters, markers of kidney function, and skeletal muscle damage in a group of sugarcane cutters during harvesting season.

Methods: Seventeen volunteers were assessed for anthropometrics and cardiorespiratory fitness. Blood and urine samples were collected 48-hours after the last work session. Blood was analyzed for glucose, creatine kinase, cholesterol, and a complete hemogram. Urine and blood samples were also analyzed for markers related to kidney function.

Results: Volunteers were young (26 ± 6 y), had low body fat (13 ± 5%), and good cardiorespiratory fitness (41 ± 6 mL/kg/min). Classical markers of kidney function (eGFR, creatinine, cystatin C) were within the normal range. However, ten volunteers presented elevated resting serum creatine kinase (221 ± 68 U/L).

Conclusion: Manual sugarcane harvesting is associated with sustained skeletal muscle damage which may increase the risk for kidney injury in Brazilian sugarcane cutters.