Kawasaki disease in Spanish paediatric population and synoptic weather types: an observational study.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a vasculitis of unelucidated pathogenesis that usually occurs in paediatric patients. In this study we analyse the temporal pattern and geographical distribution of the disease in Spain, and its relationship with atmospheric circulation patterns. We performed a retrospective study in which we collected all hospital admissions due to KD in the country between 2005 and 2015 and explored their relationship with demographic and geographical characteristics. Moreover, we calculated daily surface atmospheric patterns over Spain to study the relationship between weather types (WT) and KD Admissions. The average admission rate for KD in the paediatric population was 3.90 per 100,000, with a male to female ratio of 1.56:1. The highest rate of admissions was found in the 0-4-year-old group, with an incidence of 11.7 cases per 100,000. Admissions followed an annual cyclic pattern with a peak of incidence in January (p = 0.022) and a nadir in September. There was an upwards trend in the number of KD admissions in male sex during the study period (p = 0.004). However, there were marked geographical differences in the incidence rate. Finally, the analysis of the relationship between the WT and the number of admissions by KD revealed no statistically significant association. KD admissions follow a peculiar seasonal and spatial distribution, that suggest the involvement of environmental factors in the disease; however, the absence of an association with WT should be interpreted with caution and regional studies should be done to explore this relationship.

Análisis de la relación entre la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y los contaminantes atmosféricos atendiendo al origen y trayectoria de las masas de aire en el Norte de España / Relationship Between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Air Pollutants Depending on the Origin and Trajectory of Air Masses in the North of Spain

Objetivos: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica es una enfermedad de alta prevalencia y una de las principales causas de muerte a nivel mundial. El presente trabajo analiza la relación de esta enfermedad con las variables meteorológicas y los niveles de contaminantes atmosféricos en Santander, atendiendo al origen y trayectoria de las masas de aire. Métodos: Se recogieron datos diarios de visitas a urgencias en el Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla de un periodo de 8 años, así como la concentración de los principales contaminantes atmosféricos y de las variables meteorológicas. Posteriormente se calcularon las retrotrayectorias con destino en Santander, a una altura de 1.500m sobre el nivel del terreno. Finalmente, se elaboró un modelo de correlación para evaluar el efecto de los contaminantes sobre las urgencias por EPOC. Resultados. Existe una asociación directa entre los niveles de PM10 y las urgencias por EPOC. Por cada 10 μg/m3 de aumento del contaminante, las urgencias incrementan un 3,34% (p = 0,00005), y el efecto se intensifica en las personas mayores de 74 años. Cuando los niveles de PM10 son dependientes de masas de aire procedentes del Sur, así como ante situaciones de recirculación, el efecto es mayor. Con el resto de contaminantes la relación con las urgencias no es estadísticamente significativa. Conclusiones: La exposición a PM10 provoca descompensaciones en los pacientes con EPOC. Atendiendo al patrón de circulación atmosférica se puede estimar si los niveles de PM10 van a ser elevados, y también se obtiene información sobre los componentes de las partículas (AU)

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition and one of the leading causes of death. Our aim was to analyze the association between emergency room visits due to this disease and meteorological variables and atmospheric contaminant levels in Santander, depending on the origin and trajectory of air masses. Methods: Data from emergency room visits at Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla were collected on a daily basis during an 8-year period. Data on concentrations of the main atmospheric pollutants and meteorological variables were also recorded. Retro trajectories leading to Santander at a height of1,500 meters above sea level were then calculated. Finally, a correlation model was produced to evaluate the effect of the contaminants on emergency visits due to COPD. Results: There is a direct association between PM 10 levels and the number of visits to the emergency room due to COPD. For every 10μg/m3 increase in pollutant levels, emergency visits increase by 3.34% (p = 0.00005), and this effect is enhanced in individuals over 74 years of age. This effect is heightened when PM10 levels depend on air masses from the South and when air recirculation occurs. There is no association between other pollutants and the number of visits to the emergency room. Conclusions: Exposure to high levels of PM10 causes exacerbations in COPD patients. By studying the atmospheric circulation pattern, we can predict whether PM10 levels will be inappropriately high, and we can also obtain information about the particle components (AU)

Relationship Between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Air Pollutants Depending on the Origin and Trajectory of Air Masses in the North of Spain. / Análisis de la relación entre la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y los contaminantes atmosféricos atendiendo al origen y trayectoria de las masas de aire en el Norte de España.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition and one of the leading causes of death. Our aim was to analyze the association between emergency room visits due to this disease and meteorological variables and atmospheric contaminant levels in Santander, depending on the origin and trajectory of air masses. METHODS: Data from emergency room visits at Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla were collected on a daily basis during an 8-year period. Data on concentrations of the main atmospheric pollutants and meteorological variables were also recorded.Retrotrajectories leading to Santander at a height of1,500 meters above sea level were then calculated. Finally, a correlation model was produced to evaluate the effect of the contaminants on emergency visitsdue to COPD. RESULTS: There is a direct association between PM 10 levels and the number of visits to the emergency room due to COPD. For every 10µg/m3 increase in pollutantlevels, emergency visitsincrease by3.34% (p=0.00005), and thiseffect is enhanced in individualsover 74 years of age. This effect is heightened when PM10 levels depend on air masses from the South and when air recirculation occurs. There is no association betweenother pollutants and the number of visits to the emergency room. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to high levels of PM10 causes exacerbations in COPD patients. By studying the atmospheric circulation pattern, we can predict whether PM10 levels will be inappropriately high, and we can also obtain information about the particle components.