Ambient air pollution and sickle cell disease-related emergency department visits in Atlanta, GA.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited, autosomal recessive blood disorder, among the most prevalent genetic diseases, globally. While the genetic and hemolytic dynamics of SCD have been well-characterized, the etiology of SCD-related pathophysiological processes is unclear. Although limited, observational evidence suggests that environmental factors, including urban air pollution, may play a role.

Objectives

We assessed whether daily ambient air pollution concentrations are associated with corresponding emergency department (ED) visit counts for acute SCD exacerbations in Atlanta, Georgia, during a 9-year (2005-2013) period. We also examined heterogeneity in response by age and sex.

Methods

ED visit data were from 41 hospitals in the 20-county Atlanta,

SUBMITTER: Blumberg AH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7847665 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature