Estimation of Plasma Sodium & Potassium Levels in People Who Work Under Direct Sun Heat

Abstract

A descriptive, case-control study, conducted in Sudan, Khartoum State, during the period of May to August 2007. Analytical and statistical methods were applied to estimate the levels of plasma sodium and potassium in people who worked under direct sun heat exposure, and to assess the changes that could be caused. A total of 80 males – both test and control subjects – were involved in this study , in which 50 males were the test subjects, having an average age of (30±7) years, including 34 were traffic control policemen, and 16 were constructors, both working under direct sun heat exposure. 30 were the control subjects, having an average age of (31±4.5) years, which were bankers, and working under cold, air-conditioned environment, thus, not exposed to sun heat. A questionnaire was filled with the required information. A blood sample from each subject was taken; specimens were analyzed for plasma sodium and potassium. The results were statistically analyzed. The results obtained showed that, there was a highly significant difference between the means of plasma sodium concentration levels, among the test group, which was lower, compared to the control group, with a P value of (0.00). In addition, there was a highly significant difference between the means of plasma potassium concentration levels, among the test group, which was lower, compared to the control group, with a P value of (0.00). This study concluded that, there was an effect of heat exposure on plasma sodium and potassium causing considerable depletion, due to the excessive sweating caused by the heat stress. Further studies should be conducted for assessment of heat stress effect on the body’s systems.