| Abstract [eng] |
Introduction Atopic diseases, especially atopic dermatitis, are one of the most common illnesses in childhood. While not every study reaches the same conclusion, the majority of them associate pathogenesis and course of AD with air pollution. The impact of air pollutants is far stronger in children population because of inmature immune system and skin barrier. Given the rise in urbanization and in prevalence of allergies, accurate determination of association between AD and air pollution has indisputable clinical importance in prevention of exacerbation or development of disease. Objectives Objective of the work is to determine association between prevalence of childhood AD and air pollution in Vilnius kindergartens. Sub-objectives: 1. To analyse associations between pathogenesis of AD and air pollution based on scientific literature. 2. To measure air pollution in kindergartens and to perform parental survey regarding childhood AD symptoms and air pollution sources at household to determine a possible association with the incidence of childhood AD. 3. To compare the results with other research data around world. 4. To give recommendations regarding further research of this subject and adaption in clinical practice. Methods Measurements were undertaken in children classes corridors and near cafeterias. Air pollutants measured were particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). XLSTAT program was used for statistical analysis. Statistical analysis methods were correlation, linear regression and odds ratio. Results During the study, air pollution measurements were undertaken in 23 kindergartens in Vilnius. Air pollution was measured during years 2023-2024. In each kindergarten pollution was measured three times a year: during autumn, winter and spring. There was a positive, but statistically insignificant correlation between prevalence of AD and PM10, PM2.5 (p=0.23, r=0.26 ir p=0.64, r= 0.1). No further correlations between AD prevalence and mass and number concentrations of PM were found. There was no statistically significant association between VOCs and AD. According to survey data, a correlation was found between AD diagnosis and itch experienced by children (r=0.5, p< 0.0001). There was no correlation between smoking in child’s environment, air pollution sources at household and AD diagnosis. Conclusions The study did not find significant association between prevalence of AD and air pollution at kindergartens and children’s households. The data from other studies is contradictory, though many studies found associations between higher air pollution and childhood AD. However, there are studies which have not found any kind of connection. On this basis, the possibility of such connection cannot be ruled out. With prevalence of allergic diseases rising and remaining uncertainty regarding air pollution impact on course of atopic dermatitis, it is recommended to conduct further multi-centric research in this direction. |
