American Academy of Pediatrics
AAP 2024: Rising temperatures linked to increased heat-related illnesses in children
A recent study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference showed a 170% increase in emergency department (ED) visits for heat-related illnesses among children from 2012 to 2023, emphasizing the growing impact of extreme heat on pediatric health.
Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of 542 heat-related ED encounters at two large children’s hospitals in the Southern U.S. Primary outcomes measured were the proportion of heat-related encounters relative to total ED visits and the specific diagnoses associated with these encounters.
Heat-related ED visits increased from 4.3 to 11.6 per 10,000 since 2012, a 170% rise. Of the 542 encounters identified, 77% had heat-specific diagnoses, and 24% involved rhabdomyolysis. Most heat-specific cases (96%) were discharged without admission, while 63% of rhabdomyolysis cases required hospitalization. Children affected were predominantly younger, Hispanic, and from lower Child Opportunity Index areas.
Source:
(2024, September 27). American Academy of Pediatrics. Children’s Emergency Department Visits for Heat-related Illnesses Increased 170% Over Past Decade. [News release]. https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2024/childrens-emergency-department-visits-for-heat-related-illnesses-increased-170-over-past-decade/