Effect of Direct Sun Heat Exposure on Creatinine & Creatine Kinase Level

Illnesses associated with high environmental temperatures include; heatstroke (hyperthermia), heat exhaustion, heat syncope (fainting), and heat cramps, transient heat fatigue. The objective of this study was to estimate the levels of creatinine and creatine kinase (CK) in people who work under direct sun heat exposure, and assess the changes that can be caused. A descriptive, case-control study was conducted in Sudan, Khartoum State, during the period of May to August 2013. A total of 81 males – both case and control subjects – were studied, in which 50 males (61.7%) were the test subjects, which were bankers, and working under cold, air conditioned environment, thus there were not exposed to sun heat. Blood samples from each subject were taken and analyzed for creatinine concentrations and CK activities using spectrophotometeric method. In the test group, the mean ± S.E of creatinine and CK were 0.95 ± 0.13 mg/dl and 201±22 U/L respectively. The mean ± S.E of creatinine and CK in control group were 0.86±0.02 mg/dl, 92±12 U/L respectively. There was significant difference between the means of serum creatinine( p value of 0.004 )and CK(0.00) levels, among the test group compared to the control group. This study concludes that, there is an effect of heat exposure on serum creatinine and serum CK levels causing an appropriate elevation, due to a mild injury to the body, caused by the heat stress. Further studies should be conducted for assessment of the heat stress effect on the body’s systems.