Climate change has led to significant rise of 0.8˚C-0.9˚C in global mean temperature over the last century and has been linked with significant increases in the frequency and severity of heat waves (extreme heat events). Climate change has also been increasingly connected to detrimental human health. One of the consequences of climate-related extreme heat exposure is dehydration and volume loss, leading to acute mortality from exacerbations of pre-existing chronic disease, as well as from outright heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Recent studies have also shown that recurrent heat exposure with physical exertion and inadequate hydration can lead to CKD that is distinct from that caused by diabetes, hypertension, or GN. Epidemics of CKD consistent with heat stress nephropathy are now occurring across the world. Here, we describe this disease, discuss the locations where it appears to be manifesting, link it with increasing temperatures, and discuss ongoing attempts to prevent the disease. Heat stress nephropathy may represent one of the first epidemics due to global warming. Government, industry, and health policy makers in the impacted regions should place greater emphasis on occupational and community interventions.

Introduction: Thyroid hormones influence the haematological indices under physiological conditions. The exact cause of anemia in thyroid dysfunction is not clearly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the haematological parameters in hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and the mechanisms underlying it. Material and methods: The study was performed on 69 cases of clinical hypothyroidism, 15 cases of clinical hyperthyroidism, 6 cases of subclinical hypothyroidism and 99 healthy individuals selected as the control group. Patients were grouped as hypothyroid and hyperthyroid based on the TSH measurements (0.3-5.5µIU/mL) by Chemiluminescence method. Based on TSH levels (<0.3µIU/mL), patients were categorized as hyperthyroidism and TSH levels (>5.5µIU/ mL) as hypothyroidism. Hemoglobin and complete blood count which includes PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW were estimated. The results were analysed by SPSS software. Results: Analysis of the data obtained showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in Hb, PCV, RDW between thyroid cases and controls. The difference was not significant (p>0.05) for MCV, MCH and MCHC. Conclusion: Thyroid hormones have to be evaluated in cases of refractory anemia not responding to iron supplementation.

Background: Copper plays a definitive role in normal function and development of the body. Previous studies have shown that suboptimal copper intake during fetal development contributes to occurrence of birth defects in humans. Copper deficiency is more common in pregnancy especially in developing countries like India. Prevalence studies on copper levels in pregnant women in south Indian population are scanty and needs to be evaluated. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess serum copper levels during pregnancy and its association with dietary intake, socioeconomic status, gestational age and parity. Materials and methods: This cross sectional study included a total of 54 healthy pregnant women in the rural area of chengalpettu district, Tamil Nadu. A proforma was used to collect a detailed obstetric history and their average daily dietary intake in terms of copper was assessed by using a weekly standardized food frequency questionnaire. Serum Copper level was estimated using colorimetric method. Results: Serum copper levels were deficient in 3.7% of the study population with mean serum copper levels of 193.93±79.24 µg/dl in study population. The dietary intake of copper was found to be deficient <2 Cu (mg/day) in entire study population. There was statistically significant association between serum copper and maternal age, parity but no significant association between copper levels with respect to demographic characteristics. Conclusion: Dietary intake of copper needs to be increased by nutrition related counselling given to pregnant women. Larger studies are required to understand the magnitude of copper deficiency among pregnant women in India.

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