Cluster of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with an oil field waste site: a cross sectional study.

James Dahlgren,Raphael Warshaw,Pamela Anderson-Mahoney,Jim Tarr,Jenny Kotlerman,Harpreet Takhar

doi:10.1186/1476-069x-6-8

Abstract

BackgroundThis is a community comparison study that examines persons living in a subdivision exposed to petroleum products and mercury.MethodsWe compared their health status and questionnaire responses to those living in another community with no known exposures of this type.ResultsPristane house dust among the exposed homes was higher than in the comparison communities. The exposed subdivision has higher ambient air mercury levels compared to the control community. The prevalence of rheumatic diseases (OR = 10.78; CI = 4.14, 28.12) and lupus (OR = 19.33; CI = 1.96, 190.72) was greater in the exposed population compared to the unexposed. A higher prevalence of neurological symptoms, respiratory symptoms and several cardiovascular problems including stroke (OR = 15.41; CI = 0.78, 304.68) and angina (OR = 5.72; CI = 1.68, 19.43) was seen.ConclusionThere were statistically significant differences in B cells, Natural Killer Cells, gamma glutamyl transferase, globulin and serum calcium levels between control and exposed subjects.

Highlights

This is a community comparison study that examines persons living in a subdivision exposed to petroleum products and mercury
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune disease in which the body produces antinuclear antibodies that attack healthy tissues leading to inflammation and damage to various body tissues
We compared the health status of 90 residents along with their environmental and biomonitoring test results to a reference population. Study design This is a community comparison study that examines persons living in a subdivision exposed to petroleum prod

Summary

Introduction

This is a community comparison study that examines persons living in a subdivision exposed to petroleum products and mercury. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune disease in which the body produces antinuclear antibodies that attack healthy tissues leading to inflammation and damage to various body tissues. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. It is a chronic, complex, and potentially fatal multi-system inflammatory disorder that can be difficult to diagnose [1,2]. No single laboratory test confirms a diagnosis of SLE. SLE can occur at any age and in either sex. Migration studies suggest that environmental factors (page number not for citation purposes)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion