Clinical Report: What heat brings to acute care
Overview
Extreme heat is linked to increased acute-care presentations for various conditions, including renal disorders and injuries, based on a study of over 916,000 encounters in Chicago.
Background
Understanding the effects of extreme heat on health is crucial, especially as climate change leads to more frequent heatwaves. This study provides insights into the types of acute conditions exacerbated by high temperatures.
Data Highlights
| Condition | Cumulative Odds |
|---|---|
| Glomerular disorders | ~11 times |
| Varicose veins | ~4 times |
| Edema | ~3 times |
| Acute kidney failure | ~3 times |
Key Findings
- Extreme heat (≥33.67 °C) was associated with increased acute-care visits for renal and fluid-balance disorders.
- 33 diagnoses met the numerical reporting criteria, including 10 disease-related and 23 injury-related diagnoses.
- Associations were identified for conditions such as volume depletion, pressure ulcers, and multiple sclerosis.
- Injury-related diagnoses included assaults, accidental firearm discharge, and lower-limb burns.
- Estimates may be limited due to demographic factors and lack of external validation.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare providers should be aware of the increased risk of specific conditions during extreme heat events. This knowledge can guide clinical decision-making and resource allocation in emergency settings.
Conclusion
The study underscores the need for heightened awareness and preparedness in acute care settings during periods of extreme heat, given the diverse range of health issues that can arise.
Related Resources & Content
- Hyojung Jang et al., Science Advances, 2026 -- What heat brings to acute care
- Society of Critical Care Medicine, 2025 -- Guideline for the Treatment of Heat Stroke
- Respiratory Care — Active Warming Using Heated Inspired Gas: Full of Hot Air?
- Intensive Care Medicine — Initial Temperature and Mortality Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Neurological Conditions: Distinctions Between Trauma, Stroke, and Infections
- Frontiers in Medicine — Effects of Different intraoperative warming strategies on Hypothermia and Postoperative Coagulation Function in Severely Injured Emergency Surgery Patients
- JAMA Network Open — Advanced Medical Care at Home Among Patients With Acute Heart Failure
- CDC Clinical Overview of Heat
- Impact of the summer 2025 heatwaves on emergency department visits in the USA
- Guideline for the Treatment of Heat Stroke | SCCM
- Publications: Department of Emergency Medicine: Feinberg School of Medicine
- A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the health burden of extreme heat and cold on mortality and urgent care utilization.
This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.
