Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Holly Levine

Abstract

Mesoamerican nephropathy (MeN), previously known as chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu), is “a progressive form of tubulointerstitial nephritis..., often leading to end-stage renal disease and death.” MeN is commonly seen in agricultural workers on the Pacific coast of Central America, primarily in Chinandega and León in Nicaragua, along the Lempa River in El Salvador, and in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica; however, it has also been seen agricultural workers in southern Mexico, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Texas, and the Central Valley of California. Based on the literature reviewed in this paper, it appears that hyperuricemia at least plays a strong contributory role in MeN. Further research needs to be done to fully determine the true etiology of this widespread issue.

Identifier

SC11.PAS.2018.Garcia.B

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