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Solvent oriented hobbies and the risk of systemic sclerosis
P J Nietert1, S E Sutherland, R M Silver
1Center for Health Care Research, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA. nieterpj@musc.edu
The Journal of Rheumatology
|November 11, 1999
Summary
High cumulative solvent-oriented hobbies (SOH) exposure was linked to a greater risk of systemic sclerosis (SSc), particularly in patients with the anti-Scl70 antibody. This suggests environmental factors may contribute to SSc development.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Environmental Health
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with potential environmental triggers.
- The role of solvent-oriented hobbies (SOH) in SSc development requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if participation in SOH increases the risk of developing SSc.
- To assess if the anti-Scl70 antibody modifies the association between SOH and SSc.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study involving SSc patients and healthy controls.
- Recreational and occupational solvent exposure histories were collected.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios for SOH exposure.
Main Results:
- Overall SOH participation was not associated with SSc.
- High cumulative SOH exposure showed increased odds in anti-Scl70 positive SSc patients compared to anti-Scl70 negative SSc patients (OR 2.9) and controls (OR 2.5).
Conclusions:
- High cumulative SOH exposure is associated with SSc, particularly in anti-Scl70 positive individuals.
- These findings support the hypothesis that environmental agents contribute to SSc pathogenesis.