Temperature and heat-load exposure effects on preterm births: Insights from a population-based study using...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Epidemiology
• Reproductive Health
• Climate Change Impact

Background:

• Preterm birth poses a significant global health burden.
• Environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations, are implicated in preterm birth risk.
• Understanding the specific impact of heat exposure on pregnancy outcomes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between high ambient temperatures and heat load with preterm birth incidence.
• To analyze both short-term and long-term effects of heat exposure on preterm birth risk.

Main Methods:

• Time-series analysis of birth data from five Israeli districts (2010-2016).
• Utilized distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM) with Poisson regression.
• Assessed associations between meteorological indices (temperature, heat load) and daily preterm births, adjusting for confounders.

Main Results:

• A 1°C increase in mean daily temperature 14 days prior to delivery was associated with a 1.5% higher risk of preterm birth (RR=1.015).
• A 1°C increase in maximal heat load 14 days prior was linked to a 1.8% higher risk (RR=1.018).
• Cumulative 14-day exposure to a 1°C temperature rise increased preterm birth risk by 16%, and heat load by 14%.

Conclusions:

• Elevated temperatures and heat load are significant risk factors for preterm birth, with both acute and cumulative effects.
• Findings underscore the importance of considering climate-related risks in maternal health planning.
• Preventive strategies for heat-related pregnancy complications are needed, especially in the context of global warming.