Pollutants and Arthritis in Women
Author Information
Author(s): Lee Duk-Hee, Steffes Michael, Jacobs David R. Jr.
Primary Institution: University of Minnesota
Hypothesis
Background environmental exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is involved in the pathogenesis of arthritis.
Conclusion
Background exposure to some kinds of POPs is positively associated with arthritis among women, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.
Supporting Evidence
- Women with higher concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs showed a higher risk of arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis was more strongly associated with PCBs than osteoarthritis.
- Positive associations were found even after adjusting for confounding factors.
Takeaway
This study found that certain chemicals in the environment can make women more likely to have arthritis, especially a type called rheumatoid arthritis.
Methodology
Cross-sectional analysis of serum POPs concentrations and self-reported arthritis prevalence in adults from the NHANES 1999-2002.
Potential Biases
Nondifferential misclassification due to reliance on self-reported data.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and self-reported arthritis may lead to misclassification bias.
Participant Demographics
44.7% male, 47.7% white, mean age 49.2 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p for trend = 0.02 for dioxin-like PCBs, p for trend < 0.01 for nondioxin-like PCBs.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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