By Ana Espino | Published on July 25, 2025 | 2 min read
#pediatrics #neurodevelopment
#thermoregulation #hyperthermia
Global warming, intensified by human
activity, continues to
raise average temperatures. Among the most vulnerable
populations during extreme heat events are
children—especially
newborns,
infants, and
pediatric patients with comorbidities. Due to their immature
thermoregulation, limited behavioral adaptability, and large
surface-area-to-mass ratio, they face significant health risks.
Pregnant women
are also affected, with
prenatal heat exposure linked to obstetric
complications and congenital anomalies.
Despite mounting epidemiological
evidence, critical temperature thresholds, their variability by age, and the
role of social determinants remain poorly defined. This study offers
an
overview of heat-related effects on pediatric and perinatal health, exploring
clinical data, pathophysiological mechanisms, and knowledge gaps.
How far does heat push them?
In
pregnant women, heat exposure
increases the
risk of preeclampsia,
gestational diabetes,
hypertension, and
hospitalizations. Prenatal heat is associated with higher rates of
prematurity,
fetal growth restriction, congenital heart anomalies, and even stillbirth.
These effects may be due to reduced placental blood flow, premature labor
induction, or stress protein production.
In
children, physical effects
include
dehydration, gastrointestinal infections,
respiratory and renal
disorders—particularly among those under 4 years old.
Hospitalizations rise
significantly during extreme heat waves (≥97th percentile). Although a potential
link with
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is suggested, it remains
controversial.
Psychosocial effects are especially
concerning: heat is linked to
sleep disturbances, anxiety, learning disorders,
and increased emergency room visits for psychiatric issues. Disadvantaged
children show heightened vulnerability. Heat exposure during school periods
correlates with measurable declines in cognitive performance.
Climate emergency, pediatric
emergency
Infants and children exhibit
pronounced physiological and behavioral vulnerability to heat events. Their
immature thermoregulatory systems and limited adaptive behaviors heighten their
risk.
Chronic or repeated exposure during sensitive developmental periods—especially
in utero—can lead to
long-term physical and cognitive consequences. This review highlights the broad and
diverse impact of heat stress on pediatric and perinatal health, underlining
the urgent need for a collective, structured, evidence-based response.
Although studies on the effects of heat in children are increasing, many uncertainties remain and hinder the implementation of appropriate preventive measures. In light of this, targeted actions have become essential: developing early warning systems sensitive to pediatric thresholds, rethinking urban planning to reduce thermal exposure, integrating prevention into perinatal care, and promoting longitudinal research focused on the delayed effects of heat. The climate challenge is inseparably a pediatric one: taking immediate action has become a public health imperative.
About the author – Ana EspinoPhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology
