SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Evaluation of Regional Heatstroke Trends in the United States

Pdf Summary

This retrospective cohort study examined regional trends in heatstroke admissions in the United States from 2016–2020, using the National Inpatient Sample and monthly average temperature data from the National Centers for Environmental Information. The authors compared the Northeast and South, two regions with notable temperature differences, and used multiple linear regression to assess the relationship between temperature and heatstroke admissions.<br /><br />The study found that patients admitted with heatstroke in the South were more likely than those in the Northeast to be younger, male, non-white, uninsured, low-income, and admitted to rural hospitals. Admission rates increased as monthly average temperatures rose, even after adjusting for region and season.<br /><br />In-hospital mortality was similar between the South and Northeast. However, length of stay was longer in the South by about one day (4.4 vs 3.3 days). Mean hospital charges were higher in the South, though this difference was not statistically significant after adjustment.<br /><br />The authors note important limitations: the data were aggregated by region and month, so individual-level conclusions cannot be made from these group-level results.<br /><br />Overall, the study concludes that heatstroke is a serious and potentially increasing public health burden as global temperatures rise. It highlights the need for healthcare systems and society to improve resilience to heat-related illness, with special attention to vulnerable populations who may require more intensive care.

Asset Subtitle

Evans Brown

Meta Tag

Author List Che Harris, Evans Brown, Scott M. Wright

Category Research

Concept Heat Stroke

Concept Heatstroke Admission Rate

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

Presenting Author Evans Brown

Track Outcomes Research

Keywords

heatstroke

hospital admissions

regional trends

United States

temperature

Northeast

South

retrospective cohort study

public health

heat-related illness

Heat Stroke

Heatstroke Admission Rate