Background and purpose: Some studies have shown that air pollution, often assessed by thin particulate matter with diameter below 2.5 µg/m3 (PM2.5), may contribute to severe COVID-19 courses, as well as play a role in the onset and evolution of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the impact of air pollution on COVID-19 has never been explored specifically amongst patients with MS (PwMS). This retrospective observational study aims to explore associations between PM2.5 and COVID-19 severity amongst PwMS. Methods: Data were retrieved from an Italian web-based platform (MuSC-19) which includes PwMS with COVID-19. PM2.5 2016–2018 average concentrations were provided by the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service. Italian patients inserted in the platform from 15 January 2020 to 9 April 2021 with a COVID-19 positive test were included. Ordered logistic regression models were used to study associations between PM2.5 and COVID-19 severity. Results: In all, 1087 patients, of whom 13% required hospitalization and 2% were admitted to an intensive care unit or died, were included. Based on the multivariate analysis, higher concentrations of PM2.5 increased the risk of worse COVID-19 course (odds ratio 1.90; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Even if several other factors explain the unfavourable course of COVID-19 in PwMS, the role of air pollutants must be considered and further investigated.
The effect of air pollution on COVID-19 severity in a sample of patients with multiple sclerosis / Bergamaschi, R.; Ponzano, M.; Schiavetti, I.; Carmisciano, L.; Cordioli, C.; Filippi, M.; Radaelli, M.; Immovilli, P.; Capobianco, M.; De Rossi, N.; Brichetto, G.; Cocco, E.; Scandellari, C.; Cavalla, P.; Pesci, I.; Zito, A.; Confalonieri, P.; Marfia, G. A.; Perini, P.; Inglese, M.; Trojano, M.; Brescia Morra, V.; Pisoni, E.; Tedeschi, G.; Comi, G.; Battaglia, M. A.; Patti, F.; Salvetti, M.; Sormani, M. P.. - In: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY. - ISSN 1351-5101. - 29:2(2021), pp. 535-542-542. [10.1111/ene.15167]
The effect of air pollution on COVID-19 severity in a sample of patients with multiple sclerosis
Confalonieri P.;Inglese M.;Battaglia M. A.;Salvetti M.;Sormani M. P.
2021
Abstract
Background and purpose: Some studies have shown that air pollution, often assessed by thin particulate matter with diameter below 2.5 µg/m3 (PM2.5), may contribute to severe COVID-19 courses, as well as play a role in the onset and evolution of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the impact of air pollution on COVID-19 has never been explored specifically amongst patients with MS (PwMS). This retrospective observational study aims to explore associations between PM2.5 and COVID-19 severity amongst PwMS. Methods: Data were retrieved from an Italian web-based platform (MuSC-19) which includes PwMS with COVID-19. PM2.5 2016–2018 average concentrations were provided by the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service. Italian patients inserted in the platform from 15 January 2020 to 9 April 2021 with a COVID-19 positive test were included. Ordered logistic regression models were used to study associations between PM2.5 and COVID-19 severity. Results: In all, 1087 patients, of whom 13% required hospitalization and 2% were admitted to an intensive care unit or died, were included. Based on the multivariate analysis, higher concentrations of PM2.5 increased the risk of worse COVID-19 course (odds ratio 1.90; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Even if several other factors explain the unfavourable course of COVID-19 in PwMS, the role of air pollutants must be considered and further investigated.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
