Effects of air pollution on disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Main finding · RA flareResult — go to the resultAdjusted odds ratio 1.113 95% CI 1.017–1.218Authors' conclusion
Exposure to air pollutants, particularly PM2.5, was associated with increased RA disease activity and flare risk.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated at a tertiary medical centre in South Korea, January 2021–December 2024
- Participants
- 1,070 patients12,583 outpatient visits
- Exposure
- Higher vs lower air pollutant exposure
- Outcome
- RA disease activity and flare rate
Methodological detailssingle-centre (tertiary medical centre), linear and logistic generalised estimating equations, case-crossover sensitivity analysis
- Single-centre (tertiary medical centre)
- Linear and logistic generalised estimating equations
- Case-crossover sensitivity analysis
Main finding
RA flare
Adjusted odds ratio
1.113
95% CI 1.017–1.218
Highervs lower air pollutant exposure (6 pollutants, monthly mean concentrations)
aOR 1.113 (95% CI 1.017–1.218)
As reported in the abstract
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
DAS28-CRP association with PM2.5 by subgroup
- More pronounced among women and nonsmokers
Flare risk, case-crossover analysis (sensitivity)
- Prolonged cumulative PM2.5 exposure over >2 weeks associated with increased risk of RA flare
Original publication
Effects of air pollution on disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. Published 5 August 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →