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Published on: September 19, 2018
Atmospheric pressure variations and abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture
S D Killeen1, M J O'Sullivan, J C Coffey
1Department of Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland. sdfklleen@eircom.net
Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) cases increase during colder months, correlating with atmospheric pressure changes. This study suggests a link between barometric pressure fluctuations and RAAA occurrence.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) incidence peaks during winter and spring.
- Seasonal atmospheric pressure shifts parallel RAAA presentation patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate seasonal variations in RAAA occurrence.
- Determine the association between RAAA and atmospheric pressure changes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study design.
- Acquisition of daily regional atmospheric pressure data.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant monthly variation in RAAA cases observed (52.5% from November to March).
- Inverse relationship found between monthly RAAA cases and prior month's mean atmospheric pressure (r = -0.752, P = 0.03).
- Increased daily atmospheric pressure variability noted on admission days for RAAA patients.
Conclusions:
- Findings indicate a potential relationship between atmospheric pressure and RAAA.
- Atmospheric pressure changes may influence RAAA rupture events.
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