Study: Child heat-related illness ED visits up 170% in past decade

Abstract

With increasing extreme summer temperatures because of climate change, the risk of heat-related morbidity and mortality is rising, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, according to the study authors. Heat-related illnesses encompass a spectrum of conditions, from mild heat cramps to severe heat stroke, and can be complicated by serious conditions such as rhabdomyolysis. However, pediatric data on the trends and outcomes of heat-related illnesses remain limited. This study aimed to analyze trends in heat-related illness over time and examine the differences in patient characteristics and outcomes between children with "heat-specific" diagnoses and those with rhabdomyolysis.2