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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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Wang L, Di J, Wang Q, Zhang H, Zhao W, Shi X, Di Q, Ji JS, Liang W, Huang C. Heat exposure induced risks of preterm birth mediated by maternal hypertension. Nat Med 2024; 30:1974-1981. [PMID: 38750350 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03002-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Heat exposure is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB), with previous work suggesting that maternal blood pressure may play a role in these associations. Here we conducted a cohort study of 197,080 singleton live births across 8 provinces in China from 2015 to 2018. The study first estimated the associations between heat exposure, maternal hypertension and clinical subtypes of PTB, and then quantified the role of maternal hypertension in heat and PTB using mediation analyses. We show that heat exposure (>85th, 90th and 95th percentiles of local temperature distributions) spanning from conception to the 20th gestational week was associated with a 15-21% increase in PTB, and a 20-22% increase in medically indicated PTB. Heat exposure is likely to increase the risk of maternal hypertension and elevated blood pressure. Maternal hypertension mediated 15.7% and 33.9% of the effects of heat exposure (>90th percentile) on PTB and medically indicated PTB, respectively. Based on this large-population study, we found that exposure to heat in early pregnancy can increase the risk of maternal hypertension, thereby affecting the incidence of PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangli Di
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanhuan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoming Shi
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Di
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - John S Ji
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wannian Liang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Cunrui Huang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- Institute of Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Rancière F, Wafo O, Perrot X, Momas I. Associations between heat wave during pregnancy and term birth weight outcomes: The PARIS birth cohort. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108730. [PMID: 38776654 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change will make extreme weather events more frequent in the 21st century. Extreme ambient temperatures during the prenatal period have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth. It is unclear, however, whether heat waves during pregnancy impact fetal growth in apparently healthy term newborns. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate associations between heat wave during pregnancy and birth weight outcomes in term newborns from the PARIS birth cohort, and to explore meteorological conditions and air pollution as possible intermediate factors. METHODS We examined data on 3,359 newborns born between 37 and 42 weeks in Paris, France, between 2003 and 2006. Associations of maternal exposure to heat wave (during whole pregnancy and each trimester) with birth weight and small for gestational age (SGA) at term were studied using linear and logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Maternal characteristics were investigated as possible modifiers. We explored the mediating role of ambient temperature, relative humidity, and air pollution levels in the relationship between heat wave during the first trimester and term SGA. RESULTS Mothers who were pregnant during the 2003 French heat wave (n = 506, 15 %) were more likely to have a term SGA baby (aOR = 2.70; 95 %CI: 1.38, 5.28) compared to mothers who did not experience heat wave during pregnancy. The association was stronger when heat wave occurred during the first trimester (aOR = 4.18; 95 %CI: 1.69, 10.35). Primiparous women were identified as more vulnerable than multiparous women. Average ambient temperature and air quality index explained about 36 % and 56 % of the association between heat wave during the first trimester and term SGA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests prenatal exposure to heat wave, especially during the first trimester, may adversely affect fetal growth of term newborns, which could be explained by both increasing ambient temperatures and worsening air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Rancière
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1153 CRESS, Inrae, HERA team, Paris, France; Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
| | - Octave Wafo
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1153 CRESS, Inrae, HERA team, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Perrot
- Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Momas
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1153 CRESS, Inrae, HERA team, Paris, France; Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Cellule Cohorte, Direction de l'Action Sociale de l'Enfance et de la Santé, Mairie de Paris, Paris, France
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Zhao J, Xu Z, Wang X, Wan S, Chen W, Huang W, Wang M, Wang R, Zhang H. Environmental copper exposure, placental cuproptosis, and miscarriage. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123847. [PMID: 38552771 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Copper pollution has become global environmental concern. Widespread Cu pollution results in excessive Cu exposure in human. Epidemiological studies and animal experiments revealed that Cu exposure might have reproductive toxicity. Cuproptosis is a newly reported Cu-dependent and programmed cell death formTsvetkov et al., 2022. However, whether copper exposure at real environmental exposure dose might cause placental cuproptosis and induce miscarriage was completely unexplored. In this study, we found that Cu exposure during pregnancy induced miscarriage or complete pregnancy loss by inducing placenta cuproptosis in CuCl2-exposed pregnant mice. Notably, Cu exposure at 1.3 mg/kg/d (a real environmental exposure dose) was enough to cause placenta cuproptosis. CuCl2 exposure disrupts the TCA cycle, causes proteotoxic stress, increases Cu2+ ion import/decreases Cu2+ export, and results in the loss of Fe-S cluster proteins in mouse placenta, which induces placenta cuproptosis. Moreover, we also identified that Cu exposure down-regulates the expression levels of mmu-miR-3473b, which interacts with Dlst or Rtel1 mRNA and simultaneously positively regulates Dlst or Rtel1 expression, thereby disrupting the TCA cycle and resulting in the loss of Fe-S cluster proteins, and thus epigenetically regulates placental cuproptosis. Treatment with TTM (a cuproptosis inhibitor) suppressed placental cuproptosis and alleviated miscarriage in CuCl2-exposed mice. This work provides novel reproductive toxicity of Cu exposure in miscarriage or complete pregnancy loss by causing placental cuproptosis. This study also provides new ways for further studies on other toxicological effects of Cu and proposes a new approach for protection against Cu-induced reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingsong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, West China School of Public Health & West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Zhongyan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, West China School of Public Health & West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Shukun Wan
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Weina Chen
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Wenxin Huang
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Manli Wang
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Huidong Zhang
- Research Center for Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
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Darrow LA, Huang M, Warren JL, Strickland MJ, Holmes HA, Newman AJ, Chang HH. Preterm and Early-Term Delivery After Heat Waves in 50 US Metropolitan Areas. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2412055. [PMID: 38787560 PMCID: PMC11127119 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Heat waves are increasing in frequency, intensity, and duration and may be acutely associated with pregnancy outcomes. Objective To examine changes in daily rates of preterm and early-term birth after heat waves in a 25-year nationwide study. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study of singleton births used birth records from 1993 to 2017 from the 50 most populous US metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). The study included 53 million births, covering 52.8% of US births over the period. Data were analyzed between October 2022 and March 2023 at the National Center for Health Statistics. Exposures Daily temperature data from Daymet at 1-km2 resolution were averaged over each MSA using population weighting. Heat waves were defined in the 4 days (lag, 0-3 days) or 7 days (lag, 0-6 days) preceding birth. Main Outcomes and Measures Daily counts of preterm birth (28 to <37 weeks), early-term birth (37 to <39 weeks), and ongoing pregnancies in each gestational week on each day were enumerated in each MSA. Rate ratios for heat wave metrics were obtained from time-series models restricted to the warm season (May to September) adjusting for MSA, year, day of season, and day of week, and offset by pregnancies at risk. Results There were 53 154 816 eligible births in the 50 MSAs from 1993 to 2017; 2 153 609 preterm births and 5 795 313 early-term births occurring in the warm season were analyzed. A total of 30.0% of mothers were younger than 25 years, 53.8% were 25 to 34 years, and 16.3% were 35 years or older. Heat waves were positively associated with daily rates of preterm and early-term births, showing a dose-response association with heat wave duration and temperatures and stronger associations in the more acute 4-day window. After 4 consecutive days of mean temperatures exceeding the local 97.5th percentile, the rate ratio for preterm birth was 1.02 (95% CI, 1.00-1.03), and the rate ratio for early-term birth was 1.01 (95% CI, 1.01-1.02). For the same exposure, among those who were 29 years of age or younger, had a high school education or less, and belonged to a racial or ethnic minority group, the rate ratios were 1.04 (95% CI, 1.02-1.06) for preterm birth and 1.03 (95% CI, 1.02-1.05) for early-term birth. Results were robust to alternative heat wave definitions, excluding medically induced deliveries, and alternative statistical model specifications. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, preterm and early-term birth rates increased after heat waves, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged subgroups. Extreme heat events have implications for perinatal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey A. Darrow
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno
| | - Mengjiao Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno
- Geriatric Research and Education Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Health Care Systems, Palo Alto, California
| | - Joshua L. Warren
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Matthew J. Strickland
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno
| | - Heather A. Holmes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Andrew J. Newman
- Research Applications Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Howard H. Chang
- Department of Biostatistics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Ahdoot S, Baum CR, Cataletto MB, Hogan P, Wu CB, Bernstein A. Climate Change and Children's Health: Building a Healthy Future for Every Child. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023065505. [PMID: 38374808 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-065505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Observed changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, sea level, and extreme weather are destabilizing major determinants of human health. Children are at higher risk of climate-related health burdens than adults because of their unique behavior patterns; developing organ systems and physiology; greater exposure to air, food, and water contaminants per unit of body weight; and dependence on caregivers. Climate change harms children through numerous pathways, including air pollution, heat exposure, floods and hurricanes, food insecurity and nutrition, changing epidemiology of infections, and mental health harms. As the planet continues to warm, climate change's impacts will worsen, threatening to define the health and welfare of children at every stage of their lives. Children who already bear higher burden of disease because of living in low-wealth households and communities, lack of access to high quality education, and experiencing racism and other forms of unjust discrimination bear greater risk of suffering from climate change hazards. Climate change solutions, advanced through collaborative work of pediatricians, health systems, communities, corporations, and governments lead to immediate gains in child health and equity and build a foundation for generations of children to thrive. This technical report reviews the nature of climate change and its associated child health effects and supports the recommendations in the accompanying policy statement on climate change and children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Ahdoot
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Carl R Baum
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mary Bono Cataletto
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New York University Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, New York
| | - Patrick Hogan
- Pediatric Residency Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Christina B Wu
- O'Neill Center for Global and National Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Aaron Bernstein
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, and Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Demir R, Yalazı RÖ, Dinç A. The relationship between women's climate change awareness and concerns about climate change in Turkiye. Public Health Nurs 2024; 41:215-220. [PMID: 38041428 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to examine the relationship between women's awareness of climate change and their worries about climate change in terms of women's health in Turkiye. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. METHODS The research was conducted in a descriptive study design in the relational survey model. The sample of the study consisted of 321 women. Data were collected with the "Personal Information Form, Adaptation of Awareness to Climate Change Questionnaire, Climate Change Worry Scale." RESULTS The total mean score of the Awareness to Climate Change Scale for Women was 2.32 ± 0.61 (moderate awareness), and the total mean score of the Climate Change Worry Scale was 2.76 ± 0.84 (moderate anxiety). There was a statistically significant, positive but weak relationship between women's worries about climate change and their awareness to climate change (r = 0.373, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS As women's awareness to climate change increases, their worries about climate change increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukiye Demir
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, Turkiye
| | - Rüveyda Ölmez Yalazı
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, Turkiye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Health Sciences Institute, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Ayten Dinç
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, Turkiye
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Lo Y, Vosper E, Higgins JP, Howard G. Heat impacts on human health in the Western Pacific Region: an umbrella review. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 42:100952. [PMID: 38022710 PMCID: PMC10652124 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background High temperatures and heatwaves are occurring more frequently and lasting longer because of climate change. A synthesis of existing evidence of heat-related health impacts in the Western Pacific Region (WPR) is lacking. This review addresses this gap. Methods The Scopus and PubMed databases were searched for reviews about heat impacts on mortality, cardiovascular morbidity, respiratory morbidity, dehydration and heat stroke, adverse birth outcomes, and sleep disturbance. The last search was conducted in February 2023 and only publications written in English were included. Primary studies and reviews that did not include specific WPR data were excluded. Data were extracted from 29 reviews. Findings There is strong evidence of heat-related mortality in the WPR, with the evidence concentrating on high-income countries and China. Associations between heat and cardiovascular or respiratory morbidity are not robust. There is evidence of heat-related dehydration and stroke, and preterm and still births in high-income countries in the WPR. Some evidence of sleep disturbance from heat is found for Australia, Japan and China. Interpretation Mortality is by far the most studied and robust health outcome of heat. Future research should focus on morbidity, and lower income countries in continental Asia and Pacific Island States, where there is little review-level evidence. Funding Funded by the World Health Organization WPR Office.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y.T.Eunice Lo
- Cabot Institute for the Environment, University of Bristol, UK
- Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Emily Vosper
- Cabot Institute for the Environment, University of Bristol, UK
- School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Julian P.T. Higgins
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Guy Howard
- Cabot Institute for the Environment, University of Bristol, UK
- School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering, University of Bristol, UK
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Gordon M, Casey JA, McBrien H, Gemmill A, Hernández D, Catalano R, Chakrabarti S, Bruckner T. Disparities in preterm birth following the July 1995 Chicago heat wave. Ann Epidemiol 2023; 87:S1047-2797(23)00166-7. [PMID: 37678645 PMCID: PMC10842513 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate if changes in preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks of gestation) incidence differed between non-Hispanic (NH) Black and NH white births following the July 1995 Chicago heat wave-among the most severe U.S. heat waves since 1950. METHODS We used an ecologic study design. We obtained birth data from January 1990-December 1996 from the National Vital Statistics File to calculate the mean monthly PTB incidence in Chicago's Cook County, Illinois. Births between July 1995 and February 1996 were potentially exposed to the heat wave in utero. We generated time series models for NH Black and NH white births, which incorporated synthetic controls of Cook County based on unexposed counties. We ran a secondary analysis considering socioeconomic status (SES). RESULTS From 1990-1996, the mean monthly PTB incidence among NH Black births was 18.6% compared to 7.8% among NH white births. The mean monthly PTB incidence among NH Black births from August 1995-January 1996 was 16.7% higher than expected (three additional PTBs per 100 live births per month [95% confidence interval (CI): 1, 5]). A similar increase occurred among low-SES NH Black births. No increase appeared among NH white births. CONCLUSIONS Severe heat waves may increase racial disparities in PTB incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milo Gordon
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Joan A Casey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY; Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Heather McBrien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Alison Gemmill
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Diana Hernández
- Sociomedical Sciences Department, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Ralph Catalano
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
| | | | - Tim Bruckner
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine.
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Ren M, Zhang C, Di J, Chen H, Huang A, Ji JS, Liang W, Huang C. Exploration of the preterm birth risk-related heat event thresholds for pregnant women: a population-based cohort study in China. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 37:100785. [PMID: 37693883 PMCID: PMC10485674 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Heat events increase the risk of preterm birth (PTB), and identifying the risk-related event thresholds contributes to developing early warning system for pregnant women and guiding their public health response. However, the event thresholds that cause the risk remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects of heat events defined with different intensities and durations on PTB throughout pregnancy, and to determine thresholds for the high-risk heat events. Methods Using a population-based birth cohort data, we included 210,798 singleton live births in eight provinces in China during 2014-2018. Daily meteorological variables and inverse distance weighted methods were used to estimate exposures at a resolution of 1 km × 1 km. A series of cut off temperature intensities (50th-97.5th percentiles, or 18 °C-35 °C) and durations (at least 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 consecutive days) were used to define the heat events. Cox regression models were used to estimate the effects of heat events on PTB in various gestational weeks during the entire pregnancy, and event thresholds were determined by calculating population attributable fractions. Findings The hazard ratios of heat event exposure on PTB ranged from 1.07 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.13) to 1.43 (1.15, 1.77). Adverse effects of heat event exposure were prominently detected in gestational week 1-4, week 21-32 and the four weeks before delivery. The heat event thresholds were determined to be daily maximum temperature at the 90th percentile of the distribution or 30 °C lasting for at least one day. If pregnant women were able to avoid the heat exposures from the early warning systems triggered by these thresholds, approximately 15% or 17% of the number of total PTB cases could have been avoided. Interpretation Exposure to heat event can increase the risk of PTB when thermal event exceeds a specific intensity and duration threshold, particularly in the first four gestational weeks, and between week 21 and the last four weeks. This study provides compelling evidence for the development of heat-health early warning systems for pregnant women that could substantially mitigate the risk of PTB. Funding National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2018YFA0606200), National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 42175183), Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen (No. SZSM202111001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Ren
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai Meteorological Service, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Typhoon Institute, China Meteorological Administration, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunying Zhang
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangli Di
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Huiqi Chen
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Aiqun Huang
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - John S. Ji
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wannian Liang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Cunrui Huang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Guo Y, Chen P, Xie Y, Wang Y, Mu Y, Zhou R, Niu Y, Shi X, Zhu J, Liang J, Liu Q. Association of Daytime-Only, Nighttime-Only, and Compound Heat Waves With Preterm Birth by Urban-Rural Area and Regional Socioeconomic Status in China. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2326987. [PMID: 37566422 PMCID: PMC10422195 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.26987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Associations between heat waves and preterm birth (PTB) have been reported. However, associations of daytime-only, nighttime-only, and compound heat waves with PTB have yet to be explored at a national level. Furthermore, possible heterogeneity across urban-rural communities with different socioeconomic statuses needs to be explored. Objective To examine the association between daytime-only, nighttime-only, and compound heat waves and PTB in China and to find variations between urban and rural regions. Design, Setting, and Participants This case-crossover study used nationwide representative birth data between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2019, from China's National Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System. This multisite study covered 30 provinces in China and ensured the representation of urban and rural populations across 3 socioeconomic regions. Singleton live births delivered in the warm seasons from April to October during the study period were included. Exclusion criteria consisted of gestational age younger than 20 or older than 45 weeks, maternal ages younger than 13 or older than 50 years, conception dates earlier than 20 weeks before January 1, 2012, and later than 45 weeks before December 31, 2019, and an inconsistent combination of birthweight and gestational age according to growth standard curves of Chinese newborns. Data were analyzed from September 10, 2021, to April 25, 2023. Exposures Eighteen definitions of heat waves by 3 distinct types, including daytime only (only daily maximum temperature exceeds thresholds), nighttime only (only daily minimum temperature exceeds thresholds), and compound (both daily maximum and minimum temperature exceeds thresholds) heat waves, and 6 indexes, including 75th percentile of daily temperature thresholds for 2 or more (75th-D2), 3 or more (75th-D3), or 4 or more (75th-D4) consecutive days and 90th percentile of daily temperature thresholds for 2 or more (90th-D2), 3 or more (90th-D3), and 4 or more (90th-D4) consecutive days. Main Outcomes and Measures Preterm births with less than 37 completed weeks of gestation. Results Among the 5 446 088 singleton births in the final analytic sample (maternal mean [SD] age, 28.8 [4.8] years), 310 384 were PTBs (maternal mean [SD] age, 29.5 [5.5] years). Compared with unexposed women, exposure of pregnant women to compound heat waves in the last week before delivery was associated with higher risk for PTB, with the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) ranging from 1.02 (95% CI, 1.00-1.03) to 1.04 (95% CI, 1.01-1.07) in 6 indexes. For daytime-only heat wave exposures, AORs ranged from 1.03 (95% CI, 1.01-1.05) to 1.04 (95% CI, 1.01-1.08) in the 75th-D4, 90th-D2, 90th-D3, and 90th-D4 indexes. Such associations varied by rural (AOR range, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.01-1.09] to 1.09 [95% CI, 1.04-1.14]) and urban (AOR range, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.98-1.02] to 1.01 [95% CI, 0.99-1.04]) regions during exposure to daytime-only heat waves in the 75th-D3 and 90th-D3 indexes. Conclusions and Relevance In this case-crossover study, exposure to compound and daytime-only heat waves in the last week before delivery were associated with PTB, particularly for pregnant women in rural regions exposed to daytime-only heat waves. These findings suggest that tailored urban-rural preventive measures may improve maternal health in the context of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Peiran Chen
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanxia Xie
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Mu
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruobing Zhou
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Yanlin Niu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- Institute for Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoming Shi
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Liang
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiyong Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Teyton A, Sun Y, Molitor J, Chen JC, Sacks D, Avila C, Chiu V, Slezak J, Getahun D, Wu J, Benmarhnia T. Examining the Relationship Between Extreme Temperature, Microclimate Indicators, and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnant Women Living in Southern California. Environ Epidemiol 2023; 7:e252. [PMID: 37304340 PMCID: PMC10256373 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies have assessed extreme temperatures' impact on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We examined the relation between GDM risk with weekly exposure to extreme high and low temperatures during the first 24 weeks of gestation and assessed potential effect modification by microclimate indicators. Methods We utilized 2008-2018 data for pregnant women from Kaiser Permanente Southern California electronic health records. GDM screening occurred between 24 and 28 gestational weeks for most women using the Carpenter-Coustan criteria or the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria. Daily maximum, minimum, and mean temperature data were linked to participants' residential address. We utilized distributed lag models, which assessed the lag from the first to the corresponding week, with logistic regression models to examine the exposure-lag-response associations between the 12 weekly extreme temperature exposures and GDM risk. We used the relative risk due to interaction (RERI) to estimate the additive modification of microclimate indicators on the relation between extreme temperature and GDM risk. Results GDM risks increased with extreme low temperature during gestational weeks 20--24 and with extreme high temperature at weeks 11-16. Microclimate indicators modified the influence of extreme temperatures on GDM risk. For example, there were positive RERIs for high-temperature extremes and less greenness, and a negative RERI for low-temperature extremes and increased impervious surface percentage. Discussion Susceptibility windows to extreme temperatures during pregnancy were observed. Modifiable microclimate indicators were identified that may attenuate temperature exposures during these windows, which could in turn reduce the health burden from GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anais Teyton
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, La Jolla, California
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - John Molitor
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Jiu-Chiuan Chen
- Departments of Population & Public Health Sciences and Neurology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - David Sacks
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Chantal Avila
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Vicki Chiu
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Jeff Slezak
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Darios Getahun
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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13
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Hunter PJ, Awoyemi T, Ayede AI, Chico RM, David AL, Dewey KG, Duggan CP, Gravett M, Prendergast AJ, Ramakrishnan U, Ashorn P, Klein N. Biological and pathological mechanisms leading to the birth of a small vulnerable newborn. Lancet 2023; 401:1720-1732. [PMID: 37167990 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00573-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The pathway to a thriving newborn begins before conception and continues in utero with a healthy placenta and the right balance of nutrients and growth factors that are timed and sequenced alongside hormonal suppression of labour until a mature infant is ready for birth. Optimal nutrition that includes adequate quantities of quality protein, energy, essential fats, and an extensive range of vitamins and minerals not only supports fetal growth but could also prevent preterm birth by supporting the immune system and alleviating oxidative stress. Infection, illness, undernourishment, and harmful environmental exposures can alter this trajectory leading to an infant who is too small due to either poor growth during pregnancy or preterm birth. Systemic inflammation suppresses fetal growth by interfering with growth hormone and its regulation of insulin-like growth factors. Evidence supports the prevention and treatment of several maternal infections during pregnancy to improve newborn health. However, microbes, such as Ureaplasma species, which are able to ascend the cervix and cause membrane rupture and chorioamnionitis, require new strategies for detection and treatment. The surge in fetal cortisol late in pregnancy is essential to parturition at the right time, but acute or chronically high maternal cortisol levels caused by psychological or physical stress could also trigger labour onset prematurely. In every pathway to the small vulnerable newborn, there is a possibility to modify the course of pregnancy by supporting improved nutrition, protection against infection, holistic maternal wellness, and healthy environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia J Hunter
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Adejumoke I Ayede
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - R Matthew Chico
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anna L David
- UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kathryn G Dewey
- Department of Nutrition, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christopher P Duggan
- Department of Nutrition and Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Gravett
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Zvitambo Institute for Maternal & Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Per Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nigel Klein
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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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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15
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Zhang Y, Sun F, Yuan K, Du Y, Wu L, Ge Y, Zhang Z, Sun S, Cao W. Ambient temperature and major structural anomalies: A retrospective study of over 2 million newborns. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163613. [PMID: 37087019 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal exposure to ambient heat may be associated with congenital anomalies, but evidence is still limited. OBJECTIVES We aimed to estimate the association between maternal exposure to ambient heat during the 3-12 weeks post-conception (critical window of organogenesis) and risk of total and various diagnostic categories of major structural anomalies among live singleton births in the contiguous United States (US). METHODS We included data on 2,352,529 births with the first day of critical developmental windows falling within months of May through August from 2000 to 2004 across 525 US counties. We used a validated spatial-temporal model to estimate daily county-level population-weighted temperature. We used logistic regression to estimate the association between ambient temperature and risk of diagnostic categories of anomalies during the critical window after adjusting for individual and county-level factors. We conducted subgroup analysis to identify potential susceptible subpopulations. RESULTS A total of 29,188 anomalies (12.4 per 1000 births) were recorded during the study period. Maternal exposure to extreme heat (> 95th percentile) was associated with higher risk of total anomalies, central nervous system anomalies, and other uncategorized anomalies with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.05 (95 % CI: 1.00, 1.11), 1.17 (95 % CI: 1.01, 1.37), and 1.16 (95 % CI: 1.04, 1.29) compared with minimum morbidity temperature, respectively. The associations were homogeneous across subgroups defined by maternal age, maternal race/ethnicity, marital status, educational attainment, and parity, but were more pronounced among mothers residing in more socially vulnerable counties and births with multiple anomalies. CONCLUSIONS Among US live singleton births, maternal exposure to ambient heat may be associated with higher risk of total anomalies, central nervous system anomalies, and other uncategorized anomalies. We suggest additional research is carried out to better understand the relations between maternal heat exposure and congenital anomalies in the presence of global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangchang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Kun Yuan
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Du
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lizhi Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Yang Ge
- School of Health Professions, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg 39402, MS, USA
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shengzhi Sun
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Wangnan Cao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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16
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Nyadanu SD, Tessema GA, Mullins B, Kumi-Boateng B, Ofosu AA, Pereira G. Prenatal exposure to long-term heat stress and stillbirth in Ghana: A within-space time-series analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 222:115385. [PMID: 36736550 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few studies examined the association between prenatal long-term ambient temperature exposure and stillbirth and fewer still from developing countries. Rather than ambient temperature, we used a human thermophysiological index, Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) to investigate the role of long-term heat stress exposure on stillbirth in Ghana. METHODS District-level monthly UTCI was linked with 90,532 stillbirths of 5,961,328 births across all 260 local districts between 1st January 2012 and 31st December 2020. A within-space time-series design was applied with distributed lag nonlinear models and conditional quasi-Poisson regression. RESULTS The mean (28.5 ± 2.1 °C) and median UTCI (28.8 °C) indicated moderate heat stress. The Relative Risks (RRs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for exposure to lower-moderate heat (1st to 25th percentiles of UTCI) and strong heat (99th percentile) stresses showed lower risks, relative to the median UTCI. The higher-moderate heat stress exposures (75th and 90th percentiles) showed greater risks which increased with the duration of heat stress exposures and were stronger in the 90th percentile. The risk ranged from 2% (RR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.99, 1.05) to 18% (RR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.02, 1.36) for the 90th percentile, relative to the median UTCI. Assuming causality, 19 (95% CI 3, 37) and 27 (95% CI 3, 54) excess stillbirths per 10,000 births were attributable to long-term exposure to the 90th percentile relative to median UTCI for the past six and nine months, respectively. Districts with low population density, low gross domestic product, and low air pollution which collectively defined rural districts were at higher risk as compared to those in the high level (urban districts). DISCUSSION Maternal exposure to long-term heat stress was associated with a greater risk of stillbirth. Climate change-resilient interventional measures to reduce maternal exposure to heat stress, particularly in rural areas may help lower the risk of stillbirth.
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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 A 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; enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
| | - Ben Mullins
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
| | - Bernard Kumi-Boateng
- Department of Geomatic Engineering, University of Mines and Technology, P. O. Box 237, Tarkwa, Ghana
| | | | - 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; WHO Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health Impact Assessment. Faculty of Health Science, Curtin University, WA, Australia
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Altena E, Baglioni C, Sanz-Arigita E, Cajochen C, Riemann D. How to deal with sleep problems during heatwaves: practical recommendations from the European Insomnia Network. J Sleep Res 2023; 32:e13704. [PMID: 36073025 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Heatwaves are occurring more frequently and are known to affect particularly night-time temperatures. We review here literature on how night-time ambient temperature changes affect body temperature and sleep quality. We then discuss how these temperature effects impact particularly vulnerable populations such as older adults, children, pregnant women, and those with psychiatric conditions. Several ways of dealing with sleep problems in the context of heatwaves are then suggested, adapted from elements of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, with more specific advice for vulnerable populations. By better dealing with sleep problems during heatwaves, general health effects of heatwaves may be more limited. However, given the sparse literature, many links addressed in this review on sleep problems affected by temperature changes should be the focus of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellemarije Altena
- UMR 5287, Institut de Neurosciences Intégratives et Cognitives d'Aquitaine, Neuroimagerie et Cognition Humain, CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Chiara Baglioni
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Human Sciences, University of Rome 'G. Marconi', Telematic, Rome, Italy
| | - Ernesto Sanz-Arigita
- UMR 5287, Institut de Neurosciences Intégratives et Cognitives d'Aquitaine, Neuroimagerie et Cognition Humain, CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christian Cajochen
- Centre for Chronobiology, Psychiatric University Clinic, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dieter Riemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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18
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Kinder- und Jugendgesundheit in der Klimakrise. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-022-01685-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungKinder und Jugendliche sind aufgrund ihrer Physiologie und längerer Expositionszeiten besonders von den gesundheitlichen Folgen der Klimakrise betroffen. Darüber hinaus wird die Klimakrise ohne Gegenmaßnahmen vorbestehende gesundheitliche Ungleichheiten verschärfen, da Kinder und Jugendliche aus Familien mit niedrigem sozioökonomischen Status und schlechterem Gesundheitszustand besonders stark von den gesundheitlichen Folgen der Klimakrise betroffen sind.Die Klimakrise wirkt sich über zahlreiche Mechanismen auf die Gesundheit von Kindern und Jugendlichen aus, wobei jedes Organsystem betroffen sein kann. Extremwetterereignisse gehen u. a. mit einem erhöhten Risiko für Hitzschläge, Elektrolytstörungen, Verletzungen und psychische Erkrankungen einher. Der Temperaturanstieg führt zu veränderten Ausbreitungsgebieten von Krankheitsvektoren, die u. a. die Erreger der Borreliose oder des West-Nil-Fiebers übertragen. Im Bereich der psychischen Gesundheit stehen Klimaangst und die psychischen Auswirkungen von Extremwetterereignissen im Vordergrund.Zahlreiche Maßnahmen in den Bereichen Klimaschutz und Klimafolgenanpassung haben zugleich positive Effekte auf die Gesundheit und werden daher als Win-Win-Lösungen bezeichnet (z. B. aktiver Transport, Ausweitung urbaner Grünflächen). Kinder- und Jugendärzt:innen können einen wichtigen Beitrag zu Prävention und adäquater Behandlung von klimawandelassoziierten Erkrankungen leisten, indem sie u. a. in U‑Untersuchungen Win-Win-Lösungen adressieren und klimawandelbedingte Belastungsfaktoren in der Anamnese berücksichtigen. Darüber hinaus können sie durch ihr Engagement in Organen der ärztlichen Selbstverwaltung (z. B. Etablierung nachhaltiger Anlagestrategien in ärztlichen Versorgungswerken) oder durch die Umsetzung von Maßnahmen in Gesundheitseinrichtungen aktiv zum Klimaschutz beitragen.
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Zhang G, Wang Y, Li R, Peng J, Zhang J, Hu R, Zhang L, Wu Y, Sun Q, Liu C. Sex difference in effects of intermittent heat exposure on hepatic lipid and glucose metabolisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158704. [PMID: 36108838 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Global climate warming has drawn worldwide attention. However, the health impact of heat exposure is still controversial. This study aimed to explore the exact effects and sex differential vulnerability under intermittent heat exposure (IHE) patterns and tried to elucidate the potential mechanisms by which IHE modulated hepatic lipid and glucose homeostasis. Both female and male C57BL/6 N mice were randomly allocated to control group (22 ± 1 °C) or intermittent heat group (37 ± 1 °C for 6 h) for 9 consecutive days followed by 4-day recovery at 22 ± 1 °C in a whole-body exposure chamber. Male mice, but not female, being influenced by IHE with decreased body weight, improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Next, the levels of hepatic triglyceride (TG) were decreased and free fatty acid (FFA) increased in male mice exposed to intermittent heat, accompanied with upregulated expression of anti-oxidative enzymes in the liver. In addition, IHE led to enhanced lipid catabolism in male mice by inducing fatty acid uptake, lipid lipolysis, mitochondrial/peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation and lipid export. And glycolysis and glucose utilization were induced by IHE in male mice as well. Mechanically, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70)/insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1)/AMPKα pathways were activated in response to IHE. These findings provide new evidence that IHE sex-dependently enhanced the metabolism of lipid and glucose in male mice through HSP70/IRS1/AMPKα signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yindan Wang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ran Li
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Peng
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinna Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renjie Hu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunlu Wu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qinghua Sun
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cuiqing Liu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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20
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The burden of heatwave-related preterm births and associated human capital losses in China. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7565. [PMID: 36513644 PMCID: PMC9747907 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35008-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Frequent heatwaves under global warming can increase the risk of preterm birth (PTB), which in turn will affect physical health and human potential over the life course. However, what remains unknown is the extent to which anthropogenic climate change has contributed to such burdens. We combine health impact and economic assessment methods to comprehensively evaluate the entire heatwave-related PTB burden in dimensions of health, human capital and economic costs. Here, we show that during 2010-2020, an average of 13,262 (95%CI 6,962-18,802) PTBs occurred annually due to heatwave exposure in China. In simulated scenarios, 25.8% (95%CI 17.1%-34.5%) of heatwave-related PTBs per year on average can be attributed to anthropogenic climate change, which further result in substantial human capital losses, estimated at over $1 billion costs. Our findings will provide additional impetus for introducing more stringent climate mitigation policies and also call for more sufficient adaptations to reduce heatwave detriments to newborn.
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Nyadanu SD, Tessema GA, Mullins B, Pereira G. Prenatal acute thermophysiological stress and spontaneous preterm birth in Western Australia, 2000-2015: A space-time-stratified case-crossover analysis. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 245:114029. [PMID: 36049361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiologic evidence on acute heat and cold stress and preterm birth (PTB) is inconsistent and based on ambient temperature rather than a thermophysiological index. The aim of this study was to use a spatiotemporal thermophysiological index (Universal Thermal Climate Index, UTCI) to investigate prenatal acute heat and cold stress exposures and spontaneous PTB. We conducted a space-time-stratified case-crossover analysis of 15,576 singleton live births with spontaneous PTB between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2015 in Western Australia. The association between UTCI and spontaneous PTB was examined with distributed lag nonlinear models and conditional quasi-Poisson regression. Relative to the median UTCI, there was negligible evidence for associations at the lower range of exposures (1st to 25th percentiles). We found positive associations in the 95th and 99th percentiles, which increased with increasing days of heat stress in the first week of delivery. The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the immediate (delivery day) and cumulative short-term (up to six preceding days) exposures to heat stress (99th percentile, 31.2 °C) relative to no thermal stress (median UTCI, 13.8 °C) were 1.01 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.02) and 1.05 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.06), respectively. Elevated effect estimates for heat stress were observed for the transition season, the year 2005-2009, male infants, women who smoked, unmarried, ≤ 19 years old, non-Caucasians, and high socioeconomic status. Effect estimates for cold stress (1st percentile, 0.7 °C) were highest in the transition season, during 2005-2009, and for married, non-Caucasian, and high socioeconomic status women. Acute heat stress was associated with an elevated risk of spontaneous PTB with sociodemographic vulnerability. Cold stress was associated with risk in a few vulnerable subgroups. Awareness and mitigation strategies such as hydration, reducing outdoor activities, affordable heating and cooling systems, and climate change governance may be beneficial. Further studies with the UTCI are required.
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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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22
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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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Ren M, Wang Q, Zhao W, Ren Z, Zhang H, Jalaludin B, Benmarhnia T, Di J, Hu H, Wang Y, Ji JS, Liang W, Huang C. Effects of extreme temperature on the risk of preterm birth in China: A population-based multi-center cohort study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 24:100496. [PMID: 35899090 PMCID: PMC9310344 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extreme temperatures are associated with the risk of preterm birth (PTB), but evidence on the effects of different clinical subtypes and across different regions is limited. We aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal exposure to extreme temperature on PTB and its clinical subtypes in China, and to identify effect modification of regional factors in dimensions of population, economy, medical resources and environmental factors. METHODS This was a prospective population-based cohort of 210,798 singleton live births from 16 counties in eight provinces across China during 2014-2018. We used an extended Cox regression with time-varying variables to evaluate the effects of extreme heat and cold on PTB and its subtypes in the entire pregnancy, each trimester, the last gestational month and week. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were conducted to estimate the pooled effects of each city and effect modification by regional characteristics. FINDINGS Exposure to heat and cold during the entire pregnancy significantly increased the risk of PTB. The effects varied with subtypes, for medically indicated and spontaneous PTB, hazard ratios were 1·84 (95% CI: 1·29, 2·61) and 1·50 (95% CI: 1·11, 2·02) for heat, 2·18 (95% CI: 1·83, 2·60) and 2·15 (95% CI: 1·92, 2·41) for cold. The associations were stronger for PTB less than 35 weeks than those during weeks 35-36. The effects varied across locations, and GDP per capita (β=-0·16) and hospital beds per 1000 persons (β=-0·25) were protective factors for the effects. INTERPRETATION Extreme temperature can increase the risk of medically indicated and spontaneous PTB, and higher regional socio-economic status may moderate such effects. In the context of climate change, such findings may have important implications for protecting the health of vulnerable groups, especially newborns. FUNDING National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFA0606200), National Natural Science Foundation of China (42175183), Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA20030302), National Natural Science Foundation of China (42071377).
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Ren
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Meteorology and Health, Shanghai Meteorological Service, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Typhoon Institute, China Meteorological Administration, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhoupeng Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huanhuan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health & Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jiangli Di
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Huanqing Hu
- National Center for Women and Children's Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - John S. Ji
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wannian Liang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Cunrui Huang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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24
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Climate change is the biggest public health threat of the twenty-first century but its impact on the perinatal period has only recently received attention. This review summarizes recent literature regarding the impacts of climate change and related environmental disasters on pregnancy health and provides recommendations to inform future adaptation and mitigation efforts. RECENT FINDINGS Accumulating evidence suggests that the changing climate affects pregnancy health directly via discrete environmental disasters (i.e., wildfire, extreme heat, hurricane, flood, and drought), and indirectly through changes in the natural and social environment. Although studies vary greatly in design, analytic methods, and assessment strategies, they generally converge to suggest that climate-related disasters are associated with increased risk of gestational complication, pregnancy loss, restricted fetal growth, low birthweight, preterm birth, and selected delivery/newborn complications. Window(s) of exposure with the highest sensitivity are not clear, but both acute and chronic exposures appear important. Furthermore, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations may be more vulnerable. Policy, clinical, and research strategies for adaptation and mitigation should be continued, strengthened, and expanded with cross-disciplinary efforts. Top priorities should include (a) reinforcing and expanding policies to further reduce emission, (b) increasing awareness and education resources for healthcare providers and the public, (c) facilitating access to quality population-based data in low-resource areas, and (d) research efforts to better understand mechanisms of effects, identify susceptible populations and windows of exposure, explore interactive impacts of multiple exposures, and develop novel methods to better quantify pregnancy health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandie Ha
- Department of Public Health, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Health Science Research Institute, University of California, Merced, 5200 N Lake Rd, Merced, CA, 95343, USA.
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25
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Son JY, Choi HM, Miranda ML, Bell ML. Exposure to heat during pregnancy and preterm birth in North Carolina: Main effect and disparities by residential greenness, urbanicity, and socioeconomic status. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112315. [PMID: 34742709 PMCID: PMC8671314 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although previous literature suggested that several factors may be associated with higher risk of adverse health outcomes related to heat, research is limited for birth outcomes. OBJECTIVES We investigated associations between exposure to heat/heat waves during the last week of gestation and preterm birth (PTB) in North Carolina (NC) and evaluated effect modification by residential greenness, urbanicity, and socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS We obtained individual-level NC birth certificate data for May-September 2003-2014. We estimated daily mean temperature at each maternal residential address using Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) data. We created 3 definitions of heat waves (daily temperature ≥95th, 97th, 99th percentile for NC warm season temperature, for ≥2 consecutive days). Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to assess residential greenness. Community-level modifiers (e.g., income, urbanicity) were considered. We applied Cox proportional hazard models to estimate the association between exposure to heat/heat waves and PTB, controlling for covariates. Stratified analyses were conducted to evaluate whether the association between heat and PTB varied by several individual and community characteristics. RESULTS Of the 546,441 births, 8% were preterm. Heat exposure during the last week before delivery was significantly associated with risk of PTB. The hazard ratio for a 1 °C increase in temperature during the last week before delivery was 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.02). Higher heat-PTB risk was associated with some characteristics (e.g., areas that were urbanized, low SES, or in the Coastal Plain). We also found significant PTB-heat risk in areas with low greenness for urbanized area. For heat waves, we did not find significantly positive associations with PTB. DISCUSSION Findings provide evidence that exposure to heat during pregnancy increases risk of PTB and suggest disparities in these risks. Our results have implications for future studies of disparity in heat and birth outcomes associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Young Son
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | | | - Marie Lynn Miranda
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Michelle L Bell
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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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; 19:2412. [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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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karen P. Phillips
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (S.S.); (T.L.O.)
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27
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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: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [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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28
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Braveman P, Dominguez TP, Burke W, Dolan SM, Stevenson DK, Jackson FM, Collins JW, Driscoll DA, Haley T, Acker J, Shaw GM, McCabe ERB, Hay WW, Thornburg K, Acevedo-Garcia D, Cordero JF, Wise PH, Legaz G, Rashied-Henry K, Frost J, Verbiest S, Waddell L. Explaining the Black-White Disparity in Preterm Birth: A Consensus Statement From a Multi-Disciplinary Scientific Work Group Convened by the March of Dimes. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:684207. [PMID: 36303973 PMCID: PMC9580804 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.684207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2017-2019, the March of Dimes convened a workgroup with biomedical, clinical, and epidemiologic expertise to review knowledge of the causes of the persistent Black-White disparity in preterm birth (PTB). Multiple databases were searched to identify hypothesized causes examined in peer-reviewed literature, 33 hypothesized causes were reviewed for whether they plausibly affect PTB and either occur more/less frequently and/or have a larger/smaller effect size among Black women vs. White women. While definitive proof is lacking for most potential causes, most are biologically plausible. No single downstream or midstream factor explains the disparity or its social patterning, however, many likely play limited roles, e.g., while genetic factors likely contribute to PTB, they explain at most a small fraction of the disparity. Research links most hypothesized midstream causes, including socioeconomic factors and stress, with the disparity through their influence on the hypothesized downstream factors. Socioeconomic factors alone cannot explain the disparity's social patterning. Chronic stress could affect PTB through neuroendocrine and immune mechanisms leading to inflammation and immune dysfunction, stress could alter a woman's microbiota, immune response to infection, chronic disease risks, and behaviors, and trigger epigenetic changes influencing PTB risk. As an upstream factor, racism in multiple forms has repeatedly been linked with the plausible midstream/downstream factors, including socioeconomic disadvantage, stress, and toxic exposures. Racism is the only factor identified that directly or indirectly could explain the racial disparities in the plausible midstream/downstream causes and the observed social patterning. Historical and contemporary systemic racism can explain the racial disparities in socioeconomic opportunities that differentially expose African Americans to lifelong financial stress and associated health-harming conditions. Segregation places Black women in stressful surroundings and exposes them to environmental hazards. Race-based discriminatory treatment is a pervasive stressor for Black women of all socioeconomic levels, considering both incidents and the constant vigilance needed to prepare oneself for potential incidents. Racism is a highly plausible, major upstream contributor to the Black-White disparity in PTB through multiple pathways and biological mechanisms. While much is unknown, existing knowledge and core values (equity, justice) support addressing racism in efforts to eliminate the racial disparity in PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Braveman
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Tyan Parker Dominguez
- USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Wylie Burke
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Siobhan M. Dolan
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | - James W. Collins
- Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Deborah A. Driscoll
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Terinney Haley
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Julia Acker
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Gary M. Shaw
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Edward R. B. McCabe
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Kent Thornburg
- School of Medicine, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, United States
| | | | - José F. Cordero
- University of Georgia College of Public Health, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Paul H. Wise
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Gina Legaz
- March of Dimes, White Plains, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Sarah Verbiest
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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29
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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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Barger MK. Current Resources for Evidence-Based Practice, March/April 2021. J Midwifery Womens Health 2021; 66:274-281. [PMID: 33788383 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Barger
- Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, Beyster Institute for Nursing Research, University of San Diego, San Diego, California
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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: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [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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Spolter F, Kloog I, Dorman M, Novack L, Erez O, Raz R. Prenatal exposure to ambient air temperature and risk of early delivery. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 142:105824. [PMID: 32603968 PMCID: PMC7537740 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is a major determinant of adverse health consequences, and early term births are also associated with increased risk of various outcomes. In light of climate change, the effect of ambient temperature on earlier delivery is an important factor to consider. Several studies have focused on associations of ambient air temperature (Ta) on preterm birth, but few have examined associations with early term births. AIMS To investigate the association of prenatal exposure to Ta with preterm birth (<37 completed gestation weeks) and with early-term birth (<39 completed gestation weeks) in a semi-arid climate. METHODS All singleton deliveries at the Soroka Medical Center from the Southern district of Israel, with estimated conception dates between May 1, 2004 and March 31, 2013 (N = 62,547) were linked to prenatal Ta estimates from a spatiotemporally resolved model, with daily 1 km resolution. We used time-dependent Cox regression models with weekly mean Ta throughout gestation, adjusted for calendar month and year of conception, ethnicity, census-level socio-economic status and population density. RESULTS Ta was positively associated with late preterm birth (31 + 0/7 - 36 + 6/7 weeks), with increased risk in the upper Ta quintile as compared to the third quintile, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11-1.56. Ta also associated with early term birth (37 + 0/6 - 38 + 6/7), with increased risk in the upper Ta quintile as compared to the third quintile, HR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.13-1.36. CONCLUSION Exposure to high ambient temperature during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of preterm and early term birth in southern Israel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faige Spolter
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Itai Kloog
- The Department of Geography and Environmental Development, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Michael Dorman
- The Department of Geography and Environmental Development, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Lena Novack
- Soroka University Medical Center, Israel, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Offer Erez
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Israel, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Raanan Raz
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
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A population-based case-control study of the association between weather-related extreme heat events and low birthweight. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 12:335-342. [PMID: 32468978 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420000392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Although prenatal exposure to high ambient temperatures were reported to be associated with preterm birth, limited research assessed the impact of weather-related extreme heat events (EHE) on birthweight, particularly by trimester. We, therefore, investigated the impact of prenatal EHE on birthweight among term babies (tLBW) by trimester and birthweight percentile. We conducted a population-based case-control study on singleton live births at 38-42 gestational weeks in New York State (NYS) by linking weather data with NYS birth certificates. A total of 22,615 cases were identified as birthweight <2500 gram, and a random sample of 139,168 normal birthweight controls was included. EHE was defined as three consecutive days with the maximum temperatures of ≥32.2 °C/90 °F (EHE90) and two consecutive days of temperatures ≥97th percentile (EHE97) based on the distribution of the maximum temperature for the season and region. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) with multivariable unconditional logistic regression, controlling for confounders. Overall exposure to EHE97 for 2 d was associated with tLBW (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02, 1.09); however, the strongest associations were only observed in the first trimester for both heat indicators, especially when exposure was ≥3 d (ORs ranged: 1.06-1.13). EHE in the first trimester was associated with significant reduction in mean birthweight from 26.78 gram (EHE90) to 36.25 gram (EHE97), which mainly affected the 40th and 60th birthweight percentiles. Findings revealed associations between multiple heat indicators and tLBW, where the impact was consistently strongest in the first trimester.
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Ilango SD, Weaver M, Sheridan P, Schwarz L, Clemesha RES, Bruckner T, Basu R, Gershunov A, Benmarhnia T. Extreme heat episodes and risk of preterm birth in California, 2005-2013. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 137:105541. [PMID: 32059147 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Identifying potentially modifiable triggers toward the end of gestation, such as extreme heat, can improve understanding of the role of acute stress on early deliveries and inform warning systems. In this study we examined the association between extreme heat, variously defined during the last week of gestation, and risk of preterm birth among mothers in California. METHODS We created a population-based cohort comprised of 1,967,300 mothers who had live, singleton births in California, from May through September 2005-2013. Daily temperature data estimated at the maternal zip code of residence was used to create 12 definitions of extreme heat with varying relative temperatures (75th, 90th, 95th, and 98th percentiles) and durations (at least 2, 3, or 4 consecutive days). We estimated risk of preterm birth (<37 gestational weeks) in relation to exposure to extreme heat during the last week of gestation with multi-level Cox proportional hazard regression models, adjusting for maternal characteristics, sex of neonate, and seasonality. We also included randomly generated data, SAS code, and estimates for reproducibility purposes. RESULTS Approximately 7% of the cohort had a preterm birth. For all definitions of extreme heat, the risk of preterm birth was consistently higher among mothers who experienced an extreme heat episode during their last week of gestation. Hazard ratios ranged from 1.008 (95% CI: 0.997, 1.021) to 1.128 (95% CI: 1.052, 1.210), with increasing associations as the relative temperature and duration of extreme heat episode increased. CONCLUSION This study adds to the previous literature by considering multiple definitions of extreme heat and applying a time-to-event framework. Findings suggest that acute exposure to extreme heat during the last week of gestation may trigger an earlier delivery. Implementing heat warning systems targeted toward pregnant women may improve birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindana D Ilango
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States; Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.
| | - Meschelle Weaver
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Paige Sheridan
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States; Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Lara Schwarz
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States; Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Rachel E S Clemesha
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Tim Bruckner
- Program in Public Health, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Rupa Basu
- Office of Environmental Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Alexander Gershunov
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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