Impatto dell’inquinamento ambientale da benzene e PM10 sulla progressione clinica della sclerosi sistemica: un’analisi di correlazione.

[Autom. eng. transl.] Introduction Although the association between genetic predisposition and autoimmune diseases is well known in the literature, the evidence about the association between autoimmune diseases, such as systemic sclerosis (SCS), and exposure to environmental pollutants are less represented. A correlation analysis was therefore conducted between the environmental concentrations of benzene (B) and PM10, in the area of residence, and clinical manifestations of the SCS. Methods A pilot cohort of 88 patients completed a questionnaire in order to assess the potential risks of exposure before and after the onset of the disease. The average concentrations of B (11 monitoring sites) and PM10 (14 sites) were calculated using data recorded by the ARPA Lazio control units, and were subsequently correlated with the clinical characteristics of the patients. Results The questionnaire was validated by a panel of experts with a global agreement of 94% and a Cohen K concordance index of 0.8019 (p <0.01). The correlation analysis according to Spearman has shown that B concentrations correlate directly with the skin score (rho = 0.3; p≤0.05) and inversely with the pulmonary diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (rho = -0.36; p = 0.04). Conclusion This study suggests a possible role of benzene in the cutaneous progression of the disease and in the worsening of lung function. It is desirable that this possible association can be confirmed by the results of a larger multicenter cohort study.