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Characterizing pediatric discharge diagnoses associated with daily extreme heat exposure in the Midwestern US: A

Sarah Oerther1, Zachary Phillips2, Zidong Zhang3

  • 1Goldfarb School of Nursing, Barnes-Jewish College, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.

Heliyon
|February 7, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Extreme heat exposure is linked to pediatric illnesses like dehydration and infections. Vulnerable children, including those aged one to four, males, and those in low socioeconomic areas, face higher risks.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Extreme heat poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable pediatric populations.
  • Understanding the association between heat exposure and pediatric health outcomes is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between daily extreme heat exposure and pediatric urgent care, emergency department, and inpatient hospitalization diagnoses.
  • To examine associations with all causes and 12 specific morbidities in children.

Main Methods:

  • A time-stratified, case-crossover study design was employed.
  • Discharge diagnoses from a Midwestern healthcare network (2017-2022) were analyzed for pediatric patients during warm months (May-September).
  • Models were stratified by age, sex, race, and socioeconomic status.

Main Results:

  • Significant associations were found between extreme heat and dehydration, general symptoms, heat-related illnesses, and infections.
  • The impact of heat exposure varied across demographics.
  • Children aged one to four, males, and those from low socioeconomic status areas were identified as vulnerable groups.

Conclusions:

  • Findings underscore the need for targeted health promotion in communities and preschools.
  • Informing caregivers and implementing policy-level initiatives can mitigate pediatric heat exposure risks.
  • Further longitudinal research is recommended to develop effective heat mitigation strategies for children.
Abstract

Keywords:
EmergencyExtreme heatPediatric

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