Night shift work disrupts circadian rhythms and has been associated with cardiometabolic alterations and subclinical kidney dysfunction [1–3]. Healthcare workers are particularly exposed to irregular work hours, yet longitudinal studies assessing kidney outcomes in this population are limited [4]. This study protocol aims to investigate the relationship between cumulative night shift exposure and kidney function, and evaluate interventions to mitigate renal risk. We will conduct a prospective longitudinal cohort study of healthcare workers at a university hospital. Participants will be classified based on night shift exposure, including cumulative number of night shifts and years of shift work. Baseline assessments during routine occupational health surveillance will include medical history, lifestyle factors, biometric measurements (blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference), and laboratory sampling for kidney function (eGFR, albumin-to-creatinine ratio) and exploratory biomarkers such as urinary neutrophil gelatinase- associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), cystatin C, and circadian hormone profiles (melatonin and cortisol rhythms). Sleep quality, fatigue, diet, and hydration patterns will be assessed via validated questionnaires. Follow-up assessments will occur annually for 3 years. A subset of participants with early signs of renal stress will be randomized to a pilot intervention, including chronotherapy-based shift scheduling, sleep hygiene optimization, and circadian- supportive strategies (e.g., controlled light exposure and melatonin supplementation). Changes in renal biomarkers and early functional indicators will be monitored to assess efficacy. This study will provide quantitative estimates of kidney function decline in relation to night shift exposure, identify mechanistic early biomarkers of renal stress, and generate preliminary data on targeted interventions to protect kidney health, thereby implementing occupational health policies and preventive strategies for shift-working high-risk populations.
P23-02 Night-shift exposure and kidney function in healthcare workers: a longitudinal study protocol
Vivarelli, S.;
2026-01-01
Abstract
Night shift work disrupts circadian rhythms and has been associated with cardiometabolic alterations and subclinical kidney dysfunction [1–3]. Healthcare workers are particularly exposed to irregular work hours, yet longitudinal studies assessing kidney outcomes in this population are limited [4]. This study protocol aims to investigate the relationship between cumulative night shift exposure and kidney function, and evaluate interventions to mitigate renal risk. We will conduct a prospective longitudinal cohort study of healthcare workers at a university hospital. Participants will be classified based on night shift exposure, including cumulative number of night shifts and years of shift work. Baseline assessments during routine occupational health surveillance will include medical history, lifestyle factors, biometric measurements (blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference), and laboratory sampling for kidney function (eGFR, albumin-to-creatinine ratio) and exploratory biomarkers such as urinary neutrophil gelatinase- associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), cystatin C, and circadian hormone profiles (melatonin and cortisol rhythms). Sleep quality, fatigue, diet, and hydration patterns will be assessed via validated questionnaires. Follow-up assessments will occur annually for 3 years. A subset of participants with early signs of renal stress will be randomized to a pilot intervention, including chronotherapy-based shift scheduling, sleep hygiene optimization, and circadian- supportive strategies (e.g., controlled light exposure and melatonin supplementation). Changes in renal biomarkers and early functional indicators will be monitored to assess efficacy. This study will provide quantitative estimates of kidney function decline in relation to night shift exposure, identify mechanistic early biomarkers of renal stress, and generate preliminary data on targeted interventions to protect kidney health, thereby implementing occupational health policies and preventive strategies for shift-working high-risk populations.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
