Atmospheric Pollution Exposure Increases Disease Activity of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that high levels of air pollutants may increase activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study is to analyze the association between pollutants originating from the Brazilian Legal Amazon and SLE activity. This is a retrospective longitudinal cohort study with patients with SLE in the General Hospital in Cuiabá, Brazil. The association with SLE activity was measured using the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and data on air quality—PM2.5 and CO, published on the websites of the State Department of Environment and the Center for Weather Forecasting and Climate Studies. To assess the effect of daily concentrations of pollutants on SLEDAI scores, the generalized estimation equation (GEE) model was used. A total of 32 female patients were assessed, in 96 doctor’s appointments. The average SLEDAI score was 6 points (±5.05). GEE showed an association of disease activity with both higher rates of wildfires (p = 0.021) and average CO rate (p = 0.013), but there was no statistical association between particulate levels and SLE activity. The results suggest that variations in air pollution are associated with the activity of autoimmune rheumatic diseases.