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Lakhoo D, Brink N, Radebe L, Craig M, Pham M, Haghighi M, Wise A, Solarin I, Luchters S, Maimela G, Chersich M. Impacts of heat exposure on pregnant women, fetuses and newborns: a systematic review and meta-analysis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4713847. [PMID: 39070614 PMCID: PMC11275988 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4713847/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Climate Change has wide-ranging and severe health impacts, especially for vulnerable groups. We systematically reviewed the literature (n=198 studies) on heat impacts on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health, conducted meta-analyses to quantify impacts, analysed periods of susceptibility, and graded certainty. Studies covered 66 countries and 23 outcomes. Our results showed increased odds of preterm birth of 1.04 (95%CI=1.03, 1.06) per 1°C increase in heat exposure and 1.26 (95%CI=1.08, 1.47) during heatwaves. Similar patterns were shown for stillbirths and congenital anomalies. Gestational diabetes mellitus odds increased by 28% (95%CI=1.05, 1.74) at higher exposures, whileodds of any obstetric complication increased by 25% (95%CI=1.09, 1.42) during heatwaves. Patterns in susceptibility windows vary by condition. The review demonstrated that escalating temperatures pose major threats to maternal and child health globally. Findings could inform research priorities and selection of heat-health indicators. Clearly more intensive action is needed to protect these vulnerable groups.
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Schlein SM, Reno EM, Coffey CH, Casper LM, Klein DA, Claypool MS, Wiitala EL, Keyes LE. Environmental Exposures and Risks During Pregnancy. Wilderness Environ Med 2024:10806032241248626. [PMID: 38706212 DOI: 10.1177/10806032241248626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The Women in Wilderness Medicine Research Committee of the Wilderness Medical Society conducted a narrative review to address considerations for pregnant individuals in wilderness environments. There is limited evidence behind many opinion-based recommendations on the safety of various environmental exposures in pregnancy. The authors reviewed the literature for the best available evidence, including observational studies, case series, limited controlled trials, and extrapolation from physiological data, as well as evaluating expert consensus statements. The benefits of exposure to natural environments include better pregnancy outcomes and improved maternal mental and physical health. Risks are similar to nonpregnant individuals with the added risks associated with maternal-fetal physiology in wilderness environments and difficulties of evacuation. This narrative review discusses pregnancy-specific concerns in extreme environments, including high altitude, hypothermia, hyperthermia, lightning strikes, envenomations, and common outdoor exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Schlein
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Elaine M Reno
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | | | | | - David A Klein
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | | | - Ellen L Wiitala
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Linda E Keyes
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
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Adams A, Dongarwar D, Shay L, Baroni M, Williams E, Ehieze P, Wilson R, Awoseyi A, Salihu HM. Social Determinants of Health and Risk of Stillbirth in the United States. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e477-e485. [PMID: 36055282 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1756141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our aim was to evaluate the impact of social determinants of health (SDoH) risk factors on stillbirth among pregnancy-related hospitalizations in the United States. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of delivery-related hospital discharges using annualized data (2016-2017) from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Inpatient Sample. The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision ICD-10-CM codes were used to select women with singleton stillbirth. Z-codes were utilized to identify SDoH risk factors and their subtypes. The association between SDoH risk factors and stillbirth was assessed using survey logistic regression models. RESULTS We analyzed 8,148,646 hospitalizations, out of which 91,140 were related to stillbirth hospitalizations, yielding a stillbirth incidence of 1.1%. An increased incidence was observed for non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks (1.7%) when compared with NH Whites (1.0%). The incidence of stillbirth was greater in hospitalizations associated with SDoH risk factors compared with those without risk factors [2.0% vs. 1.1% (p <0.001)]. Among patients with SDoH risk factors, the rate of stillbirth was highest in those designated as NH other (3.0%). Mothers that presented with SDoH risk factors had a 60% greater risk of stillbirth compared with those without (odds ratio [OR] = 1.61 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.33-1.95], p < 0.001). The SDoH issues that showed the most significant risk for stillbirth were: occupational risk (OR = 7.05 [95% CI: 3.54-9.58], p < 0.001), upbringing (OR = 1.87 [95% CI: 1.23-2.82], p < 0.001), and primary support group and family (OR = 5.45 [95% 3.84-7.76], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION We found pregnancies bearing SDoH risk factors to be associated with a 60% elevated risk for stillbirth. Future studies should target a variety of risk reduction strategies aimed at modifiable SDoH risk factors that can be widely implemented at both the population health level as well as in the direct clinical setting. KEY POINTS · Health disparities exist in stillbirth rates, especially among NH Black women.. · Social determinants of health risk factors increase the risk of stillbirth.. · There is a need for further study on the impact of specific SDoH risk factors on stillbirth risk..
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Affiliation(s)
- April Adams
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Deepa Dongarwar
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lena Shay
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Mariana Baroni
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Eunique Williams
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Priscilla Ehieze
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Rhanna Wilson
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Alexia Awoseyi
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Hamisu M Salihu
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Bonell A, Part C, Okomo U, Cole R, Hajat S, Kovats S, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Hirst JE. An expert review of environmental heat exposure and stillbirth in the face of climate change: Clinical implications and priority issues. BJOG 2024; 131:623-631. [PMID: 37501633 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to extreme heat in pregnancy increases the risk of stillbirth. Progress in reducing stillbirth rates has stalled, and populations are increasingly exposed to high temperatures and climate events that may further undermine health strategies. This narrative review summarises the current clinical and epidemiological evidence of the impact of maternal heat exposure on stillbirth risk. Out of 20 studies, 19 found an association between heat and stillbirth risk. Recent studies based in low- to middle-income countries and tropical settings add to the existing literature to demonstrate that all populations are at risk. Additionally, both short-term heat exposure and whole-pregnancy heat exposure increase the risk of stillbirth. A definitive threshold of effect has not been identified, as most studies define exposure as above the 90th centile of the usual temperature for that population. Therefore, the association between heat and stillbirth has been found with exposures from as low as >12.64°C up to >46.4°C. The pathophysiological pathways by which maternal heat exposure may lead to stillbirth, based on human and animal studies, include both placental and embryonic or fetal impacts. Although evidence gaps remain and further research is needed to characterise these mechanistic pathways in more detail, preliminary evidence suggests epigenetic changes, alteration in imprinted genes, congenital abnormalities, reduction in placental blood flow, size and function all play a part. Finally, we explore this topic from a public health perspective; we discuss and evaluate the current public health guidance on minimising the risk of extreme heat in the community. There is limited pregnancy-specific guidance within heatwave planning, and no evidence-based interventions have been established to prevent poor pregnancy outcomes. We highlight priority research questions to move forward in the field and specifically note the urgent need for evidence-based interventions that are sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Bonell
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Cherie Part
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Uduak Okomo
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Rebecca Cole
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Shakoor Hajat
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sari Kovats
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jane E Hirst
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Das S, Sagar S, Chowdhury S, Akter K, Haq MZ, Hanifi SMA. The risk of miscarriage is associated with ambient temperature: evidence from coastal Bangladesh. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1238275. [PMID: 38026421 PMCID: PMC10656765 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1238275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Exposure to high ambient temperature is reported to cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, considering myriad temperature and climatic conditions as well as different contextual factors, the paucity of studies from the developing regions impedes the development of a clear understanding of the heat-pregnancy outcome relationship. Materials and methods This study was conducted in Chakaria, a coastal region of Bangladesh, where International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) administers a health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS). The surveillance workers visit the households every three months as a part of the routine surveillance activity. Between 2012 and 2020, the surveillance workers documented histories of 23,482 pregnancies among 13,376 women and the women were followed up for their pregnancy outcomes. The temperature records were obtained from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department's weather station at Cox's Bazar. The dates of pregnancy outcome were linked with the daily average temperature on the day of pregnancy outcome. A logistic regression model was employed to examine the relationship between temperature and the incidence of miscarriage. Results Out of 23,482 pregnancy outcomes, 3.7% were induced abortions. Among the remaining 22,624 pregnancy outcomes, 86.2% were live births, 10.7% were miscarriages and 3.1% were stillbirths. Miscarriages peaked between 8-14 weeks of gestation and varied according to temperature. For women exposed to temperatures between 28°C and 32°C, the risk of miscarriage was 25% greater (adjusted OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.07-1.47) compared to those exposed to temperatures from 16°C to 21°C. Conclusion The study establishes a connection between miscarriage and high ambient temperatures in a coastal region of Bangladesh. Implementing timely and appropriate adaptation strategies to prevent miscarriages is of paramount importance for a densely populated country like Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Das
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Mehta M, Basu R, Ghosh R. Adverse effects of temperature on perinatal and pregnancy outcomes: methodological challenges and knowledge gaps. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1185836. [PMID: 38026314 PMCID: PMC10646498 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1185836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence linking temperature with adverse perinatal and pregnancy outcomes is emerging. We searched for literature published until 30 January 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science, and reference lists of articles focusing on the outcomes that were most studied like preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. A review of the literature reveals important gaps in knowledge and several methodological challenges. One important gap is the lack of knowledge of how core body temperature modulates under extreme ambient temperature exposure during pregnancy. We do not know the magnitude of non-modulation of body temperature during pregnancy that is clinically significant, i.e., when the body starts triggering physiologic counterbalances. Furthermore, few studies are conducted in places where extreme temperature conditions are more frequently encountered, such as in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Little is also known about specific cost-effective interventions that can be implemented in vulnerable communities to reduce adverse outcomes. As the threat of global warming looms large, effective interventions are critically necessary to mitigate its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maitry Mehta
- Sawyer Business School, Suffolk University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rupa Basu
- California Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Rakesh Ghosh
- Sawyer Business School, Suffolk University, Boston, MA, United States
- Institute for Health and Aging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Ruan T, Yue Y, Lu W, Zhou R, Xiong T, Jiang Y, Ying J, Tang J, Shi J, Wang H, Xiao G, Li J, Qu Y, Mu D. Association between low ambient temperature during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:2307-2315. [PMID: 36805588 PMCID: PMC10538931 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extreme temperature events, including extreme cold, are becoming more frequent worldwide, which might be harmful to pregnant women and cause adverse birth outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association between exposure to low ambient temperature in pregnant women and adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth, and to summarize the evidence herein. METHODS Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase electronic databases until November 2021. Studies involving low ambient temperature, preterm birth, birth weight, and stillbirth were included. The guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses were followed to conduct this study risk of bias and methods for data synthesis. RESULTS A total of 34 studies were included. First, pregnant women exposed to low ambient temperature had an increased risk of preterm birth (risk ratio [RR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.13). Subgroup analyses revealed that exposure during late pregnancy was more likely to induce preterm birth. In addition, only pregnant women exposed to <1st percentile of the mean temperature suffered increased risk of preterm birth. Moreover, pregnant women living in medium or hot areas were more prone to have preterm births than those in cold areas when exposed to low ambient temperatures. Asians and Blacks were more susceptible to low ambient temperatures than Caucasians. Second, pregnant women exposed to low ambient temperature had an increased risk of low birth weight (RR 1.07; 95% CI 1.03-1.12). Third, pregnant women had an increased risk of stillbirth while exposed to low ambient temperature during the entire pregnancy (RR 4.63; 95% CI 3.99-5.38). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to low ambient temperature during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to extremely low ambient temperature (<1st percentile of the mean temperature), especially in their late pregnancy. This study could provide clues for preventing adverse outcomes from meteorological factors. REGISTRATION No. CRD42021259776 at PROSPERO ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiechao Ruan
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yan Yue
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Wenting Lu
- Department of General Practice, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ruixi Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Tao Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yin Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Junjie Ying
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jun Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Guoguang Xiao
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Dezhi Mu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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Cowell W, Ard N, Herrera T, Medley EA, Trasande L. Ambient temperature, heat stress and fetal growth: A review of placenta-mediated mechanisms. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 576:112000. [PMID: 37460007 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is increasingly considered a period of vulnerability for extreme heat exposure. Multiple lines of evidence support that heat stress is associated with placental insufficiency, poor fetal growth and decreased birth weight. In this narrative review, we first summarize evidence linking ambient temperature or experimentally-induced heat stress with fetal and placental growth outcomes in humans, ruminants and murine species. We then synthesize the literature on putative underlying biological pathways with a focus on the placenta. Reviewed mechanisms include: reduced uterine-placental blood flow, impaired supply of metabolic substrates to the fetus, activation of the maternal stress-response system, and disruption of other endocrine and immune system endpoints. Taken together, this body of evidence supports that exposure to extreme ambient heat likely has adverse consequences for placental development and function. However, research investigating placenta-mediated pathophysiological mechanisms in humans remains extremely limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Cowell
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Natasha Ard
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Teresa Herrera
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eleanor A Medley
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Casey JA, Daouda M, Babadi RS, Do V, Flores NM, Berzansky I, González DJ, Van Horne YO, James-Todd T. Methods in Public Health Environmental Justice Research: a Scoping Review from 2018 to 2021. Curr Environ Health Rep 2023; 10:312-336. [PMID: 37581863 PMCID: PMC10504232 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00406-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The volume of public health environmental justice (EJ) research produced by academic institutions increased through 2022. However, the methods used for evaluating EJ in exposure science and epidemiologic studies have not been catalogued. Here, we completed a scoping review of EJ studies published in 19 environmental science and epidemiologic journals from 2018 to 2021 to summarize research types, frameworks, and methods. RECENT FINDINGS We identified 402 articles that included populations with health disparities as a part of EJ research question and met other inclusion criteria. Most studies (60%) evaluated EJ questions related to socioeconomic status (SES) or race/ethnicity. EJ studies took place in 69 countries, led by the US (n = 246 [61%]). Only 50% of studies explicitly described a theoretical EJ framework in the background, methods, or discussion and just 10% explicitly stated a framework in all three sections. Among exposure studies, the most common area-level exposure was air pollution (40%), whereas chemicals predominated personal exposure studies (35%). Overall, the most common method used for exposure-only EJ analyses was main effect regression modeling (50%); for epidemiologic studies the most common method was effect modification (58%), where an analysis evaluated a health disparity variable as an effect modifier. Based on the results of this scoping review, current methods in public health EJ studies could be bolstered by integrating expertise from other fields (e.g., sociology), conducting community-based participatory research and intervention studies, and using more rigorous, theory-based, and solution-oriented statistical research methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan A. Casey
- University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA USA
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY USA
| | - Misbath Daouda
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY USA
| | - Ryan S. Babadi
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Vivian Do
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY USA
| | - Nina M. Flores
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY USA
| | - Isa Berzansky
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - David J.X. González
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management and School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | | | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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Rogne T, Wang R, Wang P, Deziel NC, Metayer C, Wiemels JL, Chen K, Warren JL, Ma X. High Ambient Temperature in Pregnancy and Risk of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.05.19.23290227. [PMID: 37293058 PMCID: PMC10246165 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.19.23290227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background High ambient temperature is increasingly common due to climate change and is associated with risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy in children, the incidence is increasing, and in the United States it disproportionately affects Latino children. We aimed to investigate the potential association between high ambient temperature in pregnancy and risk of childhood ALL. Methods We used data from California birth records (1982-2015) and California Cancer Registry (1988-2015) to identify ALL cases diagnosed <14 years and 50 times as many controls matched by sex, race/ethnicity, and date of last menstrual period. Ambient temperatures were estimated on a 1-km grid. Association between ambient temperature and ALL was evaluated per gestational week, restricted to May-September, adjusting for confounders. Bayesian meta-regression was applied to identify critical exposure windows. For sensitivity analyses, we evaluated a 90-day pre-pregnancy period (assuming no direct effect before pregnancy) and constructed an alternatively matched dataset for exposure contrast by seasonality. Findings Our study included 6,258 ALL cases and 307,579 controls. The peak association between ambient temperature and risk of ALL was observed in gestational week 8, where a 5 °C increase was associated with an odds ratio of 1.09 (95% confidence interval 1.04-1.14) and 1.05 (95% confidence interval 1.00-1.11) among Latino and non-Latino White children, respectively. The sensitivity analyses supported this. Interpretation Our findings suggest an association between high ambient temperature in early pregnancy and risk of childhood ALL. Further replication and investigation of mechanistic pathways may inform mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tormod Rogne
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Pin Wang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nicole C. Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Catherine Metayer
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Joseph L. Wiemels
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joshua L. Warren
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Baharav Y, Nichols L, Wahal A, Gow O, Shickman K, Edwards M, Huffling K. The Impact of Extreme Heat Exposure on Pregnant People and Neonates: A State of the Science Review. J Midwifery Womens Health 2023; 68:324-332. [PMID: 37218676 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between heat exposure and perinatal morbidity and mortality is of increasing concern as global temperatures rise and extreme heat events become more frequent and intense. Heat exposure can lead to a multitude of harmful outcomes for pregnant individuals and neonates, including hospitalization and death. This state of the science review explored the evidence on the associations between heat exposure and negative health outcomes during pregnancy and the neonatal period. Findings suggest that improving health care provider and patient awareness of heat-related risks and implementing specific interventions could mitigate adverse outcomes. Furthermore, public health and other policy interventions are needed to increase thermal comfort and reduce societal exposure to extreme heat and related risks. Early warning systems, medical alerts, provider and patient education, and increased access to health care and thermal comfort may improve pregnancy and early life health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Baharav
- Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Atlantic Council, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Lilly Nichols
- Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Atlantic Council, Washington, District of Columbia
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anya Wahal
- Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Atlantic Council, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Owen Gow
- Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Atlantic Council, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kurt Shickman
- Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Atlantic Council, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Maya Edwards
- Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Atlantic Council, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Katie Huffling
- Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, Mount Rainier, Maryland
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12
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Chersich MF, Scorgie F, Filippi V, Luchters S. Increasing global temperatures threaten gains in maternal and newborn health in Africa: A review of impacts and an adaptation framework. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 160:421-429. [PMID: 35906840 PMCID: PMC10087975 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Anatomical, physiologic, and socio-cultural changes during pregnancy and childbirth increase vulnerability of women and newborns to high ambient temperatures. Extreme heat can overwhelm thermoregulatory mechanisms in pregnant women, especially during labor, cause dehydration and endocrine dysfunction, and compromise placental function. Clinical sequelae include hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and stillbirth. High ambient temperatures increase rates of infections, and affect health worker performance and healthcare seeking. Rising temperatures with climate change and limited resources heighten concerns. We propose an adaptation framework containing four prongs. First, behavioral changes such as reducing workloads during pregnancy and using low-cost water sprays. Second, health system interventions encompassing Early Warning Systems centered around existing community-based outreach; heat-health indicator tracking; water supplementation and monitoring for heat-related conditions during labor. Building modifications, passive and active cooling systems, and nature-based solutions can reduce temperatures in facilities. Lastly, structural interventions and climate financing are critical. The overall package of interventions, ideally selected following cost-effectiveness and thermal modeling trade-offs, needs to be co-designed and co-delivered with affected communities, and take advantage of existing maternal and child health platforms. Robust-applied research will set the stage for programs across Africa that target pregnant women. Adequate research and climate financing are now urgent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F Chersich
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Fiona Scorgie
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Veronique Filippi
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Stanley Luchters
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe
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13
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Rothschild J, Haase E. The mental health of women and climate change: Direct neuropsychiatric impacts and associated psychological concerns. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 160:405-413. [PMID: 36165632 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Climate change brings exposures to heat, air pollution, poorer quality food, and infectious disease that have significant direct effects on women and their mental health. These environmental impacts are multifaceted in their consequences and raise risks of depression, suicide, violent victimization, post-traumatic stress disorder, and various other neuropsychiatric symptoms. Women also suffer increased climate psychological risks from higher rates of stillbirth, preterm birth, and developmental problems in their children. Here we review what is known about the overlap of women's individual mental health and climate change, and highlight areas where more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rothschild
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth Haase
- Department of Psychiatry, Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center, Carson City, Nevada, USA.,University of Nevada School of Medicine at Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
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14
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Veenema RJ, Hoepner LA, Geer LA. Climate Change-Related Environmental Exposures and Perinatal and Maternal Health Outcomes in the U.S. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1662. [PMID: 36767030 PMCID: PMC9914610 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Climate change poses one of the greatest risks to human health as air pollution increases, surface temperatures rise, and extreme weather events become more frequent. Environmental exposures related to climate change have a disproportionate effect on pregnant women through influencing food and water security, civil conflicts, extreme weather events, and the spread of disease. Our research team sought to identify the current peer-reviewed research on the effects of climate change-related environmental exposures on perinatal and maternal health in the United States. DESIGN AND METHODS A systematic literature review of publications identified through a comprehensive search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted using a modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach. The initial search across both databases identified a combined total of 768 publications. We removed 126 duplicates and 1 quadruplet, and the remaining 639 publications were subjected to our pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria. We excluded studies outside of the United States. A total of 39 studies met our inclusion criteria and were retained for thematic analysis. FINDINGS A total of 19 studies investigated the effect of either hot or cold temperature exposure on perinatal and maternal health outcomes. The effect of air pollution on perinatal outcomes was examined in five studies. A total of 19 studies evaluated the association between natural disasters (hurricanes, flash floods, and tropical cyclones) and perinatal and maternal health outcomes. High and low temperature extremes were found to negatively influence neonate and maternal health. Significant associations were found between air pollutant exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were linked to hurricanes, tropical cyclones, and flash floods. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review suggests that climate change-related environmental exposures, including extreme temperatures, air pollution, and natural disasters, are significantly associated with adverse perinatal and maternal health outcomes across the United States.
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Nyadanu SD, Tessema GA, Mullins B, Pereira G. Maternal acute thermophysiological stress and stillbirth in Western Australia, 2000-2015: A space-time-stratified case-crossover analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 836:155750. [PMID: 35526628 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extreme thermal environment driven by climate change disrupts thermoregulation in pregnant women and may threaten the survival of the developing fetus. OBJECTIVES To investigate the acute effect of maternal exposure to thermophysiological stress (measured with Universal Thermal Climate Index, UTCI) on the risk of stillbirth and modification of this effect by sociodemographic disparities. METHODS We conducted a space-time-stratified case-crossover analysis of daily UTCI and 2835 singleton stillbirths between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2015 across multiple small areas in Western Australia. Distributed lag non-linear models were combined with conditional quasi-Poisson regression to investigate the effects of the UTCI exposure from the preceding 6 days to the day of stillbirth. We also explored effect modification by fetal and maternal sociodemographic factors. RESULTS The median UTCI was 13.9 °C (representing no thermal stress) while the 1st and 99th percentiles were 0.7 °C (slight cold stress) and 31.7 °C (moderate heat stress), respectively. Relative to median UTCI, we found positive associations between acute maternal cold and heat stresses and higher risks of stillbirth, increasing with the intensity and duration of the thermal stress episodes. The cumulative risk from the preceding 6 days to the day of stillbirth was stronger in the 99th percentile (RR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.21) than the 1st percentile (RR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.15), relative to the median UTCI. The risks were disproportionately higher in term and male stillborn fetuses, smoking, unmarried, ≤19 years old, non-Caucasian, and low socioeconomic status mothers. DISCUSSION Acute maternal exposure to both cold and heat stresses may contribute to the risk of stillbirth and be exacerbated by sociodemographic disparities. The findings suggest public health attention, especially for the identified higher-risk groups. Future studies should consider the use of a human thermophysiological index, rather than surrogates such as ambient temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; Education, Culture, and Health Opportunities (ECHO) Ghana, ECHO Research Group International, Aflao, Ghana.
| | - Gizachew Assefa Tessema
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Ben Mullins
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Gavin Pereira
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; Centre for Fertility and Health (CeFH), Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0473 Oslo, Norway
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16
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Segal TR, Giudice LC. Systematic review of climate change effects on reproductive health. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:215-223. [PMID: 35878942 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Climate change is a major risk factor for overall health, including reproductive health, and well-being. Increasing temperatures, due mostly to increased greenhouse gases trapping excess heat in the atmosphere, result in erratic weather patterns, wildfires, displacement of large communities, and stagnant water resulting in vector-borne diseases that, together, have set the stage for new and devastating health threats across the globe. These conditions disproportionately affect disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, including women, pregnant persons, young children, the elderly, and the disabled. This review reports on the evidence for the adverse impacts of air pollution, wildfires, heat stress, floods, toxic chemicals, and vector-borne diseases on male and female fertility, the developing fetus, and obstetric outcomes. Reproductive health care providers are uniquely positioned and have an unprecedented opportunity to educate patients and policy makers about mitigating the impact of climate change to assure reproductive health in this and future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalia R Segal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Linda C Giudice
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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17
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Syed S, O’Sullivan TL, Phillips KP. Extreme Heat and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Scoping Review of the Epidemiological Evidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042412. [PMID: 35206601 PMCID: PMC8874707 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background: Extreme heat caused by climate change is a major public health concern, disproportionately affecting poor and racialized communities. Gestational heat exposure is a well-established teratogen in animal studies, with a growing body of literature suggesting human pregnancies are similarly at risk. Characterization of extreme heat as a pregnancy risk is problematic due to nonstandard definitions of heat waves, and variable study designs. To better focus future research in this area, we conducted a scoping review to assess the effects of extreme heat on pregnancy outcomes. Methods: A scoping review of epidemiological studies investigating gestational heat-exposure and published 2010 and 2020, was conducted with an emphasis on study design, gestational windows of sensitivity, adverse pregnancy outcomes and characterization of environmental temperatures. Results: A sample of 84 studies was identified, predominantly set in high-income countries. Preterm birth, birthweight, congenital anomalies and stillbirth were the most common pregnancy outcome variables. Studies reported race/ethnicity and/or socioeconomic variables, however these were not always emphasized in the analysis. Conclusion: Use of precise temperature data by most studies avoided pitfalls of imprecise, regional definitions of heat waves, however inconsistent study design, and exposure windows are a significant challenge to systematic evaluation of this literature. Despite the high risk of extreme heat events and limited mitigation strategies in the global south, there is a significant gap in the epidemiological literature from these regions. Greater consistency in study design and exposure windows would enhance the rigor of this field.
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18
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Dalugoda Y, Kuppa J, Phung H, Rutherford S, Phung D. Effect of Elevated Ambient Temperature on Maternal, Foetal, and Neonatal Outcomes: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031771. [PMID: 35162797 PMCID: PMC8835067 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This scoping review provides an overview of the published literature, identifies research gaps, and summarises the current evidence of the association between elevated ambient temperature exposure during pregnancy and adverse maternal, foetal, and neonatal outcomes. Following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews reporting guidelines, a systematic search was conducted on CINAHL, PubMed, and Embase and included original articles published in the English language from 2015 to 2020 with no geographical limitations. A total of seventy-five studies were included, conducted across twenty-four countries, with a majority in the USA (n = 23) and China (n = 13). Study designs, temperature metrics, and exposure windows varied considerably across studies. Of the eighteen heat-associated adverse maternal, foetal, and neonatal outcomes identified, pre-term birth was the most common outcome (n = 30), followed by low birth weight (n = 11), stillbirth (n = 9), and gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 8). Overall, papers reported an increased risk with elevated temperature exposures. Less attention has been paid to relationships between heat and the diverse range of other adverse outcomes such as congenital anomalies and neonatal mortality. Further research on these less-reported outcomes is needed to improve understanding and the effect size of these relationships with elevated temperatures, which we know will be exacerbated by climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohani Dalugoda
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4222, Australia; (J.K.); (H.P.); (S.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jyothi Kuppa
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4222, Australia; (J.K.); (H.P.); (S.R.)
| | - Hai Phung
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4222, Australia; (J.K.); (H.P.); (S.R.)
| | - Shannon Rutherford
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4222, Australia; (J.K.); (H.P.); (S.R.)
| | - Dung Phung
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia;
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19
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Khodadadi N, Dastoorpoor M, Khanjani N, Ghasemi A. Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Ahvaz, Iran. Reprod Health 2022; 19:33. [PMID: 35109854 PMCID: PMC8811963 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01344-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Climate change may jeopardize the health of mothers and their offspring. There are few studies on the association between increasing temperature and pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and adverse pregnancy outcomes including stillbirth, low birth weight (LBW), preterm labor (PTL), spontaneous abortion (SA), preeclampsia and hypertension in Ahvaz, Iran. Methods Distributed Lag Non-linear Models (DLNM) combined with quasi-Poisson regression were used to research the effect of UTCI on adverse pregnancy outcomes. The effect of time trend, air pollutants (NO2, SO2 and PM10), and weekdays were adjusted. Results The results showed that the low values of UTCI index (11.6 °C, in lags 0–6, 0–13) caused significant increase in the risk of preterm labor. However, hot thermal stress (high UTCI) significantly increased the risk of stillbirth in lag 0–13. We did not observe any significant relation between UTCI and other pregnancy outcomes in this study. Conclusions It seems like both hot and cold weathers can be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Scientists have found that climate change has adverse effects on human health. Because pregnant women are one of the most vulnerable groups, these negative impacts may affect their fetuses, which make up the next generation. In this study, we examined the effect of temperature on some pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm labor, spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia and gestational hypertension in Ahvaz city, which is one of the hottest cities in the world. One way to assess temperature impact on humans is by using temperature indicators. In this study we used the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) for this purpose. The data at different time intervals were collected and evaluated with specific models. Our results showed that low values of UTCI, which is equivalent to cold weather, significantly increase the risk of preterm labor. But, high levels of UTCI, which means hot weather, significantly increase the risk of stillbirth. In conclusion; both hot and cold weather can be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in Ahvaz city. Therefore, pregnant women should protect themselves from exposure to hot and cold weather.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Khodadadi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Menopause Andropause Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Dastoorpoor
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Menopause Andropause Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Narges Khanjani
- Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Ghasemi
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
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20
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Ambient temperature and stillbirth risks in northern Sweden, 1880-1950. Environ Epidemiol 2021; 5:e176. [PMID: 34909556 PMCID: PMC8663868 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Climate vulnerability of the unborn can contribute to adverse birth outcomes, in particular, but it is still not well understood. We investigated the association between ambient temperature and stillbirth risk among a historical population in northern Sweden (1880-1950). Methods We used digitized parish records and daily temperature data from the study region covering coastal and inland communities some 600 km north of Stockholm, Sweden. The data included 141,880 births, and 3,217 stillbirths, corresponding to a stillbirth rate of 22.7 (1880-1950). The association between lagged temperature (0-7 days before birth) and stillbirths was estimated using a time-stratified case-crossover design. Incidence risk ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals were computed, and stratified by season and sex. Results We observed that the stillbirth risk increased both at low and high temperatures during the extended summer season (April to September), at -10°C, and the IRR was 2.3 (CI 1.28, 4.00) compared to the minimum mortality temperature of +15°C. No clear effect of temperature during the extended winter season (October to March) was found. Climate vulnerability was greater among the male fetus compared to the female counterparts. Conclusion In this subarctic setting before and during industrialization, both heat and cold during the warmer season increased the stillbirth risk. Urbanization and socio-economic development might have contributed to an uneven decline in climate vulnerability of the unborn.
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21
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Bhat S, Birdus N, Bhat SM. Ethnic variation in causes of stillbirth in high income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021; 158:270-277. [PMID: 34767262 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inequities in stillbirth rate according to ethnicity persist in high income nations. The objective of the present study is to investigate whether causes of stillbirth differ by ethnicity in high-income nations. METHODS The following databases were searched since their inception to 1 February 2021: Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Global Health. Cohort, cross-sectional, and retrospective studies were included. Causes of stillbirth were aligned to the International Classification of Disease 10 for Perinatal Mortality (ICD10-PM) and pooled estimates were derived by meta-analysis. RESULTS Fifteen reports from three countries (72 555 stillbirths) were included. Seven ethnic groups - "Caucasian" (n = 11 studies), "African" (n = 11 studies), "Hispanic" (n = 7 studies), "Indigenous Australian" (n = 4 studies), "Asian" (n = 2 studies), "South Asian" (n = 2 studies), and "American Indian" (n = 1 study) - were identified. There was an overall paucity of recent, high-quality data for many ethnicities. For those with the greatest amount of data - Caucasian, African, and Hispanic - no major differences in the causes of stillbirth were identified. CONCLUSION There is a paucity of high-quality information on causes of stillbirth for many ethnicities. Improving investigation and standardizing classification of stillbirths is needed to assess whether causes of stillbirth differ across more diverse ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiuj Bhat
- Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nadya Birdus
- Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
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22
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Bogan M, Al B, Kul S, Zengin S, Oktay M, Sabak M, Gümüşboğa H, Bayram H. The effects of desert dust storms, air pollution, and temperature on morbidity due to spontaneous abortions and toxemia of pregnancy: 5-year analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2021; 65:1733-1739. [PMID: 33829325 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-021-02127-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have suggested an association between particulate air pollution, increased temperatures, and morbidity related to pregnancy outcomes. However, the roles of desert dust storms and climatological factors have not been fully addressed. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the association between desert dust storms, particulate matter with a diameter ≤10 μm (PM10), daily temperatures, and toxemia of pregnancy and spontaneous abortion in Gaziantep, South East Turkey. The study was conducted retrospectively at emergency department of two hospitals in Gaziantep city. Data from January 1, 2009, to March 31, 2014, were collected. Patients, who were diagnosed with toxemia of pregnancy and spontaneous abortion by radiological imaging modalities, were included in the study. Daily temperature ranges, mean temperature values, humidity, pressure, wind speed, daily PM10 levels, and records of dust storms were collected. A generalized additive regression model was designed to assess variable effects on toxemia of pregnancy and spontaneous abortion, while adjusting for possible confounding factors. Our findings demonstrated that presence of dust storms was positively associated with the toxemia of pregnancy both in outpatient admissions (OR=1.543 95% CI=1.186-2.009) and inpatient hospitalizations (OR=1.534; 95% CI=1.162-2.027). However, neither PM10 nor maximum temperature showed a marked association with spontaneous abortion or toxemia of pregnancy in our study population. Our findings suggest that desert dust storms may have an impact on the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes such as toxemia of pregnancy. Health authorities should take necessary measures to protect pregnant women against detrimental effects of these storms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Bogan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Düzce University, 81620, Düzce, Turkey.
| | - Behcet Al
- Emergency Department of Medicine Faculty, Gaziantep University, 27070, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Seval Kul
- Biostatistics Department of Medicine Faculty, Gaziantep University, 27070, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Suat Zengin
- Emergency Department of Medicine Faculty, Gaziantep University, 27100, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Murat Oktay
- Vocational High School, Hasan Kalyoncu University, 27000, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Sabak
- Emergency Department of Medicine Faculty, Gaziantep University, 27705, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Hasan Gümüşboğa
- Emergency Department of Şehitkamil State Hospital, 27500, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Hasan Bayram
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
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23
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Savitz DA, Hu H. Ambient heat and stillbirth in Northern and Central Florida. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 199:111262. [PMID: 33974845 PMCID: PMC8638076 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated temperature is well-recognized as a health hazard, and may be particularly harmful to pregnant women, including increasing risk of stillbirth. We conducted a study in Northern and Central Florida, an area prone to periodic extreme heat but with significant seasonal variation, focusing on the most socioeconomically vulnerable populations least able to mitigate the impact of heat. METHODS We obtained electronic health records data from the OneFlorida Data Trust for the period 2012-2017, with 1876 stillbirths included in the analysis. We used a case-crossover design to examine the risk of stillbirth associated with acute exposures to elevated heat prior to the outcome, contrasting the case period (the week preceding the stillbirth) with a control period (the week prior to the case period and the week after the stillbirth). Average heat index and maximum warning level during the case and control periods of each woman were assigned by ZIP code. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess the association between stillbirth and heat exposure, controlling for PM2.5 and O3. RESULTS The adjusted odds ratio showed no overall association with stillbirth except for a weak association for exposure above the 90th percentile which was larger among the most socioeconomically deprived and non-Hispanic Black women. In the hot months, there was a clear association for all indices of heat exposure, but largest again for the most socioeconomically deprived population (aOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2-5.2 in the 4th vs. 1st quartile) and among non-Hispanic Black women (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0-3.2 in the 4th vs. 1st quartile). CONCLUSIONS Our results provide further evidence that elevated ambient heat is related to stillbirth and encourage a focus on the most susceptible individuals and possible clinical pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Savitz
- Department of Epidemiology Brown University School of Public Health Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Hui Hu
- Department of Epidemiology College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
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Thermoregulation During Pregnancy: a Controlled Trial Investigating the Risk of Maternal Hyperthermia During Exercise in the Heat. Sports Med 2021; 51:2655-2664. [PMID: 34165763 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01504-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the well-established benefits of exercise, pregnant women are discouraged from physical activity in hot/humid conditions to avoid hyperthermia (core temperature (Tcore) ≥ 39.0 °C). Recent epidemiological evidence also demonstrates greater risk of negative birth outcomes following heat exposure during pregnancy, possibly due to thermoregulatory impairments. We aimed to determine (1) the risk of pregnant women exceeding a Tcore of 39.0 °C during moderate-intensity exercise in the heat; and (2) if any thermoregulatory impairments are evident in pregnant (P) versus non-pregnant (NP) women. METHODS Thirty participants (15 pregnant in their second trimester or third trimester) completed two separate exercise-heat exposures in a climate chamber (32 °C, 45%RH). On separate occasions, each participant cycled on a semi-recumbent cycle ergometer for 45 min at a workload representative of a moderate-intensity (1) non-weight-bearing (NON-WB), or (2) weight-bearing (WB) activity. Thermoregulatory responses were monitored throughout. RESULTS The highest rectal temperature observed in a pregnant individual was 37.93 °C. Mean end-exercise rectal temperature did not differ between groups (P:37.53 ± 0.22 °C, NP:37.52 ± 0.34 °C, P = 0.954) in the WB trial, but was lower in the P group (P:37.48 ± 0.25 °C, vs NP:37.73 ± 0.38 °C, P = 0.041) in the NON-WB trial. Whole-body sweat loss was unaltered by pregnancy during WB (P:266 ± 62 g, NP:264 ± 77 g; P = 0.953) and NON-WB P:265 ± 51 g, NP:300 ± 75 g; P = 0.145) exercise. Pregnant participants reported higher ratings of thermal sensation (felt hotter) than their non-pregnant counterparts in the WB trial (P = 0.002) but not in the NON-WB trial, (P = 0.079). CONCLUSION Pregnant women can perform 45 min of moderate-intensity exercise at 32 °C, 45%RH with very low apparent risk of excessive maternal hyperthermia. No thermoregulatory impairments with pregnancy were observed.
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Dastoorpoor M, Khanjani N, Khodadadi N. Association between Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) with adverse pregnancy outcomes in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:415. [PMID: 34088277 PMCID: PMC8178880 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03876-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are few epidemiological studies on the relation between temperature changes and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) with adverse pregnancy outcomes including stillbirth, low birth weight (LBW), preterm labor (PTL), spontaneous abortion (SA), preeclampsia and hypertension in Ahvaz, Iran. Methods Distributed Lag Non-linear Models (DLNM) combined with quasi-Poisson regression were used to investigate the effect of PET on adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this study the effect of time trend, air pollutants (NO2, SO2 and PM10), and weekdays were adjusted. Results High PET (45.4 C°, lag = 0) caused a significant increase in risk of stillbirth. Also, high levels of PET (45.4, 43.6, 42.5 C°, lag = 0–6) and low levels of PET (9.9, 16.9 C°, lags = 0, 0–13, 0–21) significantly increased the risk of LBW. But, low levels of PET (6.4, 9.9, 16.9 C°, lags = 0–6, 0–13) reduced the risk of gestational hypertension. Conclusion The results of this study showed that hot and cold thermal stress may be associated with increased risk of stillbirth, and LBW in Ahvaz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Dastoorpoor
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Menopause Andropause Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Narges Khanjani
- Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Narges Khodadadi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Menopause Andropause Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Sexton J, Andrews C, Carruthers S, Kumar S, Flenady V, Lieske S. Systematic review of ambient temperature exposure during pregnancy and stillbirth: Methods and evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111037. [PMID: 33781772 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Associations between ambient temperature exposure during pregnancy and stillbirth have been reviewed and described in the literature. However, there is no existing review of environmental and epidemiologic methods applied to measure stillbirths resulting from exposure to ambient temperatures during pregnancy. The objective of this study is to systematically review published methods, data sources, and data linkage practices to characterize associations between ambient temperature and stillbirth to inform stillbirth prevention and risk management strategies. METHODS A systematic review of published studies that assess the association between ambient temperature exposure during pregnancy using any measures or approach and stillbirth was undertaken in Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science of studies (2000-2020, inclusive). Selection of studies were assessed by pre-specified eligibility criteria and documented using PRISMA. Citations were managed using EndNote X8 whilst selection, reviewing, and data extraction were performed using Covidence. The screening, selection, and data extraction process consisted of two blind, independent reviews followed by a tertiary independent review. An adapted Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist was used to assess quality and bias. The main findings and characteristics of all studies was extracted and summarized. Where appropriate, a meta-analysis will be performed for measures of association. RESULTS Among 538 original records, 12 eligible articles were identified that analysed associations between ambient temperature exposure and stillbirth for 42,848 stillbirths among 3.4 million births across seven countries. Varied definitions of stillbirth were reported based on gestational age, birthweight, both, or neither. The overall rate of stillbirth ranged from 1.9 to 38.4 per 1000 among six high-income countries and one low-middle-income country. All study designs were retrospective and included ten cohort studies, three case-crossover studies, and two additional case-control subgroup analysis. Exposure data for ambient temperature was mostly derived from standard municipal or country-level monitors based on weather stations (66.6%) or a forecasting model (16.7%); otherwise, not reported (16.7%). Results were not statistically pooled for a meta-analysis due to heterogeneity of methods and models among included studies. All studies reported associations of increased risk of stillbirth with ambient temperature exposures throughout pregnancy, particularly in late pregnancy. One study estimates 17-19% (PAR) of stillbirths are potentially attributable to chronic exposure to hot and cold ambient temperatures during pregnancy. Overall, risk of stillbirth was observed to increase below 15 °C and above 23.4 °C, where highest risk is above 29.4 °C. CONCLUSION Exposure to hot and cold temperatures during pregnancy may increase the risk of stillbirth, although a clear causative mechanism remains unknown. Despite lack of causal evidence, existing evidence across diverse settings observed similar effects of increased risk of stillbirth using a variety of statistical and methodological approaches for exposure assessments, exposure windows, and data linkage. Managing exposure to ambient temperatures during pregnancy could potentially decrease risk of stillbirth, particularly among women in low-resource settings where access to safe antenatal and obstetric care is challenging. To fully understand the effects or dose-response relationship of maternal exposure to ambient temperatures and stillbirth, future studies should focus on biological mechanisms and contributing factors in addition to improving measurement of ambient temperature exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Sexton
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Christine Andrews
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Vicki Flenady
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Post-conception heat exposure increases clinically unobserved pregnancy losses. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1987. [PMID: 33479337 PMCID: PMC7820015 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81496-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence of the relationship between temperature during pregnancy and human embryo mortality is limited. Most importantly, the literature lacks causal estimations and studies on early pregnancy losses. Here, we estimate the impact of early pregnancy temperature exposure on the clinically unobserved pregnancy loss rate. We use administrative data of clinically observed pregnancies from more than three decades for Hungary. We apply an empirical approach that allows us to infer the impact of temperature on the clinically unobserved pregnancy loss rate from the estimated effects on the clinically observed conception rate. The results show that exposure to hot temperatures during the first few weeks after the conception week increases the clinically unobserved pregnancy loss rate, whereas exposure to colder temperatures seems to decrease it. Importantly, the temperature-induced changes represent changes in the total number of pregnancy losses rather than a compositional change between clinically observed and clinically unobserved pregnancy losses.
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Chersich MF, Pham MD, Areal A, Haghighi MM, Manyuchi A, Swift CP, Wernecke B, Robinson M, Hetem R, Boeckmann M, Hajat S. Associations between high temperatures in pregnancy and risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirths: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2020; 371:m3811. [PMID: 33148618 PMCID: PMC7610201 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m3811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether exposure to high temperatures in pregnancy is associated with increased risk for preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. DESIGN Systematic review and random effects meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Medline and Web of Science searched up to September 2018, updated in August 2019. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Clinical studies on associations between high environmental temperatures, and preterm birth, birth weight, and stillbirths. RESULTS 14 880 records and 175 full text articles were screened. 70 studies were included, set in 27 countries, seven of which were countries with low or middle income. In 40 of 47 studies, preterm births were more common at higher than lower temperatures. Exposures were classified as heatwaves, 1°C increments, and temperature threshold cutoff points. In random effects meta-analysis, odds of a preterm birth rose 1.05-fold (95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.07) per 1°C increase in temperature and 1.16-fold (1.10 to 1.23) during heatwaves. Higher temperature was associated with reduced birth weight in 18 of 28 studies, with considerable statistical heterogeneity. Eight studies on stillbirths all showed associations between temperature and stillbirth, with stillbirths increasing 1.05-fold (1.01 to 1.08) per 1°C rise in temperature. Associations between temperature and outcomes were largest among women in lower socioeconomic groups and at age extremes. The multiple temperature metrics and lag analyses limited comparison between studies and settings. CONCLUSIONS Although summary effect sizes are relatively small, heat exposures are common and the outcomes are important determinants of population health. Linkages between socioeconomic status and study outcomes suggest that risks might be largest in low and middle income countries. Temperature rises with global warming could have major implications for child health. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD 42019140136 and CRD 42018118113.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Francis Chersich
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Hillbrow, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa
| | - Minh Duc Pham
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashtyn Areal
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marjan Mosalam Haghighi
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Cardiology Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Albert Manyuchi
- Global Change Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Bianca Wernecke
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Robyn Hetem
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Melanie Boeckmann
- Department of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Germany
| | - Shakoor Hajat
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, and the Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Kanner J, Williams AD, Nobles C, Ha S, Ouidir M, Sherman S, Mendola P. Ambient temperature and stillbirth: Risks associated with chronic extreme temperature and acute temperature change. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 189:109958. [PMID: 32980027 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambient temperature events are increasing in frequency and intensity. Our prior work in a U.S. nationwide study suggests a strong association between both chronic and acute temperature extremes and stillbirth risk. OBJECTIVE We attempted to replicate our prior study by assessing stillbirth risk associated with average whole-pregnancy temperatures and acute ambient temperature changes in a low-risk U.S. METHODS Singleton deliveries in the NICHD Consecutive Pregnancies Study (Utah, 2002-2010; n = 112,005) were identified using electronic medical records. Ambient temperature was derived from the Weather Research and Forecasting model. Binary logistic regression determined the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for stillbirth associated with whole-pregnancy exposure to extreme cold (<10th percentile) and hot (>90th percentile) versus moderate (10th-90th percentiles) average temperature, adjusting for maternal demographics, season of conception, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and gestational diabetes. In a case-crossover analysis, we estimated the stillbirth aOR and 95% CI for each 1° Celsius increase during the week prior to delivery using conditional logistic regression. In both models, we adjusted for relative humidity, ozone, and fine particulates. RESULTS We observed 500 stillbirth cases among 498 mothers. Compared to moderate temperatures, whole-pregnancy exposure to extreme cold (aOR: 4.42, 95% CI:3.43, 5.69) and hot (aOR: 5.06, 95% CI: 3.34, 7.68) temperatures were associated with stillbirth risk. Case-crossover models observed a 7% increased odds (95% CI: 1.04, 1.10) associated with each 1° Celsius increase during the week prior to delivery. DISCUSSION Both chronic and acute ambient temperature were associated with odds of stillbirth in this low-risk population, similar to our prior nationwide findings. Future increases in temperature extremes are likely and the observed risk in a low-risk population suggests this association merits attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Kanner
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710B Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrew D Williams
- Master of Public Health Program, Department of Population Health, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Carrie Nobles
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710B Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sandie Ha
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts, University of California, Merced, 5200 N. Lake Rd., Merced, CA, 95343, USA
| | - Marion Ouidir
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710B Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Seth Sherman
- The Emmes Company, 401 N Washington St #700, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Pauline Mendola
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710B Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Konkel L. Taking the Heat: Potential Fetal Health Effects of Hot Temperatures. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:102002. [PMID: 31652107 PMCID: PMC6910775 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
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