Impact on air pollution in Delhi and incidence of stroke in lieu of COVID-19 lockdown

Abstract

Exposure to air pollution is now well recognized by scientists, media and the population as a major public health issue. The Delhi air flux is the most pernicious consequences of indiscriminate industrialisation and urbanisation. The significant improvement in the air quality of Delhi region was observed due to strict implementation of lockdown. During the lockdown period, improvement in ambient air quality helped us in circumventing the coronavirus community spread. Cross Sectional Study was designed. All strokes within 2 weeks from onset & within one year of event were screened & recruited. PM 2.5 was measured in areas of Delhi in using the help of DCPCB Incidence of recurrent stroke was assessed during the covid-19 lockdown period. Stroke severity was calculated on the basis of NIHSS, mRS scale. 50 patients recruited. Out of them 6 patients had recurrent stroke (min-3 & Max-6) in last one year. The mean age for patients was 52.3 ± 11.2 years with a mean NIHSS of 5.86 ± 1.3 and mean mRS of 1.04 ± 0.07. The higher level of PM 2.5 was 230 and minimum was 65 during the Covid-19 Lockdown period i.e March-May-2020. We found that the higher level of PM 2.5 is associated with incidence of Stroke. Maximum six recurrent attack reported by single patient when PM 2.5 level was ≥650 from October 2019–January 2020. 2 patients with history of severe RHD reported recurrent attack during the lockdown period. Increased level of air pollution particles matter effects on brain and increased the recurrent incidence of stroke. PM 2.5 decreased during the lockdown period and less recurrent stroke reported at same time.