How climate change and wildfires affect patients with severe kidney disease

Climate change, forest fires, and patients with end-stage kidney disease: A national scale vulnerability assessment

NIH-funded research Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11050045

This study looks at how extreme heat and wildfires affect people with end-stage kidney disease across the U.S., aiming to find out who is most at risk and how we can better protect them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-11050045 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of climate change, specifically extreme heat events and wildfires, on patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) across the United States. By analyzing data from various cities, the study aims to identify how these environmental factors contribute to health risks such as hospitalization and mortality among ESKD patients. The research will also explore disparities based on location, race, and other health conditions to better understand which groups are most vulnerable. The findings could help inform public health strategies and interventions to protect at-risk populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, particularly those living in areas prone to extreme heat and wildfires.

Not a fit: Patients with kidney disease who are not exposed to extreme heat events or wildfires may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and targeted interventions for patients with end-stage kidney disease affected by climate-related factors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that extreme heat events negatively impact ESKD patients, indicating that this research builds on established findings but aims for a broader national assessment.

Where this research is happening

College Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.