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Meta-analysis of systemic sclerosis and exposure to solvents
B K Aryal1, S A Khuder, E A Schaub
1Department of Public Health, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio 43614-5809, USA.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|October 13, 2001
Summary
Exposure to organic solvents may increase the risk of developing systemic sclerosis (an autoimmune disease). This meta-analysis found a statistically significant association, suggesting solvents as a potential risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis incidence is rising in the US.
- This study examines the link between systemic sclerosis and solvent exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between systemic sclerosis and solvent exposure.
- To quantify the relative risk of systemic sclerosis due to solvent exposure.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was conducted on eight studies (seven case-control, one cohort) published between 1966 and 2000.
- A random effect model was used to calculate the combined relative risk for systemic sclerosis and solvent exposure.
Main Results:
- The overall relative risk for systemic sclerosis associated with solvent exposure was 2.91 (95% CI, 1.60-5.30).
- For case-control studies, the relative risk was 3.14 (95% CI, 1.56-6.33).
Conclusions:
- A statistically significant increased relative risk suggests organic solvent exposure is a potential risk factor for systemic sclerosis.
- Further research with diverse study designs and controlled confounders is recommended.