Exploration of the preterm birth risk-related heat event thresholds for pregnant women: a population-based cohort study in China

• DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100785
• Publication Date: 2023-05-19T03:03:22Z
• Authors: Meng Ren; Chunying Zhang; Jiangli Di; Huiqi Chen; Aiqun Huang; John S. Ji; Wannian Liang; Cunrui Huang
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; Articles; 3. Good health

Heat events increase the risk of preterm birth (PTB), and identifying risk-related event thresholds contributes to developing early warning system for pregnant women guiding their public health response. However, that cause remain unclear. We aimed investigate effects heat defined with different intensities durations on PTB throughout pregnancy, determine high-risk events.Using a population-based cohort data, we included 210,798 singleton live births in eight provinces China during 2014-2018. Daily meteorological variables inverse distance weighted methods were used estimate exposures at resolution 1 km × km. A series cut off temperature (50th-97.5th percentiles, or 18 °C-35 °C) (at least 1, 2, 3, 4 5 consecutive days) define events. Cox regression models various gestational weeks entire determined by calculating population attributable fractions.The hazard ratios exposure ranged from 1.07 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.13) 1.43 (1.15, 1.77). Adverse prominently detected week 1-4, 21-32 four before delivery. The be daily maximum 90th percentile distribution 30 °C lasting one day. If able avoid systems triggered these thresholds, approximately 15% 17% number total cases could have been avoided.Exposure can when thermal exceeds specific intensity duration threshold, particularly first weeks, between 21 last weeks. This study provides compelling evidence development heat-health substantially mitigate PTB.National Key R&D Program (No. 2018YFA0606200), National Natural Science Foundation 42175183), Sanming Project Medicine Shenzhen SZSM202111001).