Background: Previous studies have assessed the health impact of temperature on morbidity among elderly, but few data are available on the relationship between temperature and morbidity among children. Aims: To examine the relationship between extreme temperatures and pediatric emergency department admissions in Brisbane, Australia, during 2003-2009. Methods: A quasi-Poisson generalized linear model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model was used to examine the relationships between extreme temperatures and pediatric emergency department admissions. The model residuals were checked to identify whether there was an added effect due to heat waves or cold spells. Results:Both hot and cold temperatures were significantly associated with an increase in pediatrie emergency department admissions in Brisbane. Hot temperatures had a significant impact on several pediatrie diseases, including intestinal infectious diseases (relative risk (RR):1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.10 -1.45), endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (RR:1.41, 95% CI:1.09 -1.82), nervous system diseases (RR:1.40, 95% CI:1.09-1.78), digestive system diseases (RR:1.23, 95% CI:1.05 -1.46), genitourinary system diseases (RR:1.27, 95% CI:1.05 - 1.55), and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) (RR:1.19, 95% CI:1.02 -1.39), while cold temperatures were significantly associated with respiratory diseases (RR:2.44, 95% CI:1.56 - 3.82). An added effect of heat waves on childhood COPD was observed, while no added effect of cold spells was found. Conclusions: As climate change continues, children, especially those aged 0-4 years, are at particular risk for a variety of diseases which might be triggered by extremely hot temperatures.
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