Data show autoimmune rheumatic diseases more common in polluted areas

Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases were shown to be more prevalent in areas polluted with fine particulate matter, according to results of a study conducted in two areas of Canada.

Population-based administrative data from Alberta between 1993 and 2007 and from Quebec between 1989 and 2010 were studied to identify new cases of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs), including Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, undifferentiated connective tissue disorders and others based on billing codes.

Sasha Bernatsky

Mean residential exposures to ambient fine particulate matter between 2001 and 2006 were assigned to the study regions using satellite-derived data. Probabilities for developing a SARD were calculated according to age, sex, urban or rural residence, income and fine particulate matter exposure.

Overall, women and individuals older than 45 years of age were more likely to develop a SARD, with the highest odds ratios (ORs) for older females, according to the researchers. Independently, increased particulate matter increased the odds of SARD development.

In Alberta, the researchers found the odds for developing a SARD were slightly higher for First-Nation residents (OR 1.38 vs. OR 1.05), which represented about 3% of that population. In Quebec, First-Nation data were not available; however, the overall OR was 1.05 for development of a SARD. – by Shirley Pulawski

Reference:

Bernatsky S, et al. Paper #2015. Presented at: American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting. Nov. 14-19, 2014; Boston.

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.