Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
07:34
Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System
Published on: May 5, 2018
Ambient temperature and congenital heart defects.
K Agay-Shay1, M Friger, S Linn
1School of Public Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel. kagayshay@gmail.com
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|June 7, 2013
Summary
Maternal exposure to higher ambient temperatures during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs), particularly during the cold season. This finding highlights potential public health concerns amid climate change.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Reproductive Epidemiology
- Teratology
Background:
- Hyperthermic insult in animal models demonstrates teratogenic effects.
- Limited data exist on human fetal exposure to elevated ambient temperatures and congenital heart defects (CHDs) risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal exposure to higher ambient temperatures during pregnancy and the risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs).
- To assess the impact of average ambient temperature and extreme heat events on CHD risk.
Main Methods:
- Population-based cohort study of 135,527 live and stillbirths in Tel-Aviv, Israel (2000-2006).
- Analysis included isolated atrial septal defects, isolated ventricular septal defects, and multiple cardiac defects.
- Logistic models assessed the impact of ambient temperature during weeks 3-8 of pregnancy, adjusted for covariates.
Main Results:
- No overall significant association between ambient temperature and CHDs throughout the year.
- Increased risk for multiple CHDs with continuous exposure to average and peak temperatures during the cold season.
- Increased risk for multiple CHDs and isolated atrial septal defects with extreme heat events.
Conclusions:
- Maternal exposure to higher ambient temperatures during pregnancy, especially in the cold season, is associated with an increased risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs).
- Findings suggest potential public health implications related to climate change, particularly in regions with mild winters and hot summers.
- Limitations include potential exposure misclassification due to registry data and the urban heat island effect.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Factors Affecting Body Temperature
As a nurse, it is vital to understand the factors affecting body temperature to monitor variations and effectively evaluate deviations from regular.
Factors may include:
Factors may include:
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface, such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. True core body temperature is assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder.
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
01:29Decreased Body Temperature
A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by sustained extreme cold exposure, and severe...
01:25Increased Body Temperature
A body temperature above 38°C (100.4 °F) is known as fever or pyrexia, and a person with fever is termed 'febrile.' Typically, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that acts as the body's thermostat, regulates body temperature through a thermoregulatory setpoint. It receives signals from cold and warm thermal receptors throughout the body and adjusts the body's temperature accordingly. Fever occurs when this hypothalamic setpoint is altered, usually in response to an infection or illness.