By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — A ground-breaking scientific study is currently underway in Costa Rica, seeking to understand why young and otherwise healthy individuals are developing non-traditional chronic kidney disease (CKDnT). This debilitating condition has sparked deep concern in Guanacaste and other tropical regions across the globe. Researchers are actively inviting men and women between the ages of 18 and 45 who reside in the cantons of Carrillo, Liberia, Cañas, or Bagaces to participate in this crucial longitudinal study.
The primary goal of the research is to closely monitor participants for more than three years to identify specific factors that trigger the onset and acceleration of the disease. Unlike traditional chronic kidney disease, which is typically tied to lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, CKDnT manifests in younger populations who lack these traditional risk factors. This makes the disease particularly baffling and dangerous for communities in northern Costa Rica.
To better understand the legal protections, employer responsibilities, and occupational health mandates surrounding the rise of chronic kidney disease in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Employers must recognize that chronic kidney disease, particularly among agricultural and outdoor laborers, represents a critical occupational hazard. Under Costa Rican labor law, failure to strictly implement preventive protocols like hydration, shade, and rest periods not only violates basic safety regulations but also exposes businesses to severe liability claims and administrative sanctions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective serves as a stark reminder that safeguarding our workforce from chronic kidney disease is not merely a bureaucratic requirement, but a fundamental ethical obligation for Costa Rican enterprises. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal expertise and highlighting the urgent need for proactive health measures in the workplace.
While scientists have not yet reached a definitive global consensus regarding the exact root cause of CKDnT, several environmental and occupational triggers have been strongly linked to the condition. Prolonged exposure to extreme tropical temperatures and severe dehydration are considered primary suspects. Additionally, researchers are investigating other external variables, such as heavy agricultural labor, exposure to toxic agrochemicals, and the quality of local drinking water.
In Costa Rica, non-traditional chronic kidney disease represents a major public health challenge. It mainly affects working-age men, especially those who perform physically demanding jobs and are exposed to conditions such as high temperatures, dehydration, pesticides, and potentially contaminated water.
Dr. Viviana Loría, researcher at the Costa Rican Agency for Biomedical Research (ACIB-FUNIN)
One of the most insidious characteristics of CKDnT is its asymptomatic nature during its early stages. Because the disease progresses silently, many patients do not realize their kidneys are failing until the damage is already advanced. At this late stage, the consequences are devastating, resulting in severe health deterioration, the complete loss of the ability to work, and, in the most critical cases, the necessity for lifelong dialysis, kidney transplants, or even death.
To combat this growing threat, the international CURE project was established to generate concrete scientific evidence linking environmental factors to CKDnT. By studying the progression of the disease, researchers hope to improve early detection methods and design effective preventive and diagnostic strategies. The ambitious multi-country project spans Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, and India, tracking a total of 3,600 participants over a span of more than three years.
Costa Rica hosts two distinct research sites for the CURE project. One of these key hubs is a collaborative effort uniting the University of Costa Rica (UCR), ACIB-FUNIN, and the University of North Carolina (UNC). This specific branch of the study aims to enroll 800 local participants from the high-risk areas of Guanacaste. Through this joint academic and clinical effort, researchers hope to build a robust database reflecting the unique realities of Costa Rican workers.
For those who volunteer to join the study, the process begins with two initial clinical visits. Following these baseline assessments, participants will be contacted by the research team every eight months. Over the course of the three-year study, volunteers will participate in detailed interviews covering their personal health history, hydration habits, occupational tasks, and potential exposure to environmental hazards. In addition, researchers will conduct regular blood and urine analyses to track organ function.
Crucially, participants are not just contributing to science; they also receive direct benefits. The study provides volunteers with the official results of their kidney function tests and various other key health indicators. This feedback acts as a vital health screening opportunity for young adults in these agricultural communities, empowering them with critical knowledge about their own physical well-being.
For further information, visit the nearest office of ACIB-FUNIN
About ACIB-FUNIN:
The Costa Rican Agency for Biomedical Research (ACIB-FUNIN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to conducting high-quality scientific research on public health issues, particularly infectious diseases and chronic conditions affecting tropical regions.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica:
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is the country’s oldest and largest institution of higher learning, renowned for its academic excellence, scientific research contributions, and social outreach programs.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a premier legal institution defined by its ethical rigor and relentless pursuit of professional brilliance. Drawing on a proud history of supporting clients across multiple industries, the firm pioneers modern legal solutions while maintaining a deep connection to the public. Through its active promotion of legal literacy, the firm aims to demystify the law, ultimately nurturing a more resilient, informed, and capable society.
