Environment/Climate Change
Short Term Exposure to Air Pollution is Associated with Hospital Admissions and Emergency Department Visits for Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease Kelsey M. Maclin, MS* Kelsey Maclin Kristina M. Zierold, PhD, MS
Introduction
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetically inherited blood disorder affecting people of African descent and Hispanics. SCD is characterized by painful episodes and acute lung injury known as acute chest syndrome (ACS). Patients with SCD have a life expectancy 20 years less than those without SCD. The health complications of SCD may be affected by environmental factors, particularly air pollution. There is minimal research investigating air pollution and SCD.
Methods
This review included SCD articles related to respiratory and pain complications associated with air pollution. Six databases were used to identify articles. We excluded articles without human subjects and articles that did not have air pollution effects. There were five articles that were included in this review.
Results
There were hospital admissions and emergency department (ED) visits associated with the criteria air pollutants. When higher concentrations of ozone were present, there was an increase in hospital admissions for pain. Elevated concentrations of nitrogen dioxide were associated with an increase in hospital admissions for pain and ACS. Additionally, higher concentrations of particulate matter were associated with an increase in ED visits for ACS and pain. There were conflicting results for the effect of carbon monoxide exposure on SCD as well as for the effect of sulfur dioxide on SCD.
Discussion
SCD is often a debilitating disease for Black and Hispanic individuals. This review found associations between air pollution exposure and SCD hospitalizations or ED visits. This negatively impacts the quality of life for patients with SCD and shortens their life expectancy. Being aware of increased air pollution, SCD patients may take steps to protect themselves.
Conclusion
With mixed research findings and minimal literature to date on the association between air pollution and SCD complications, future research needs to be conducted to add to the knowledge of environmental impacts on SCD.