SAT447 Gaps In Care: Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals And Metabolic Disease Management Guidelines

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: M. Obeid: None. A. Majid: None. R.M. Sargis: None. In recent decades, global rates of obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have increased substantially, imposing significant morbidity and mortality on patients and severe economic strain on healthcare systems. Discussions of modifiable risk factors responsible for metabolic dysfunction have classically centered upon the role of excess energy intake and insufficient energy expenditure. Consequently, clinical practice guidelines have largely focused upon these factors when addressing disease risk and treatment. In recent years, however, new metabolic risk factors have emerged, including exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Because exposure to EDCs is potentially modifiable through individual action and/or public policy, we sought to understand how practice guidelines for metabolic disorders have incorporated this new knowledge into clinical care. To accomplish this, we searched PubMed for the years 2007 to 2022 for European, Asian, and American clinical practice guidelines related to obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. Each guideline was then searched by two reviewers for 83 terms related to environmental factors linked to metabolic dysfunction. Environment-related statements were then adjudicated by three reviewers for relevance. Select guidelines for non-metabolic disorders linked to environmental factors were similarly reviewed for comparison, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and obstetrics/gynecology guidelines. In total, 68 guidelines and statements were systematically reviewed. While environmental risk reduction was partially addressed in COPD, asthma, and cardiovascular guidelines, those focused on obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease did not address the contribution of EDCs or other ambient environmental factors. Across all guidelines only air pollution received substantive attention, leaving other EDCs nearly entirely neglected. A clear but inadequately considered component of the social and structural determinants of health, environmental exposures have emerged as modifiable risk factors for multiple metabolic disorders. While further work is needed, future clinical practice guidelines should incorporate clinical interventions, research initiatives, and policy recommendations to address the impact of poor environments on human metabolic health. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023