Meta-Analysis of Association between Particulate Matter and Stroke Attack

Abstract

Aims: We conducted systematic review as well as meta-analyses on the association between particulate matter and daily stroke attack from a number of epidemiologic studies. Methods: Twelve quantitative studies about the associations between particulate matter and stroke attack met the inclusive criteria. We evaluated the odds ratio (OR) of stroke attack associated with per 10 μg/m 3 increase of the concentration of PM 10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm) or PM 2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm) as effect scale, and a sensitivity analysis for the results was conducted. Results: In the time-series design, PM 10 exposure wasn't related to an increased risk of daily stroke attack [OR per 10 μg/m 3 = 1.002, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.999~1.005], PM 2.5 exposure were related to an increased risk of daily stroke attack (OR per 10 μg/m 3 = 1.006, 95%CI: 1.002~1.010]; but in the case-crossover studies, PM 10 exposure was related to increase in risk of daily stroke attack (OR per 10 μg/m 3= 1.028, 95%CI: 1.001~1.057). PM 2.5 exposure was not significant association with daily stroke attack (OR per 10 μg/m 3= 1.016, 95%CI: 0.937~1.097). Sensitivity analysis showed that the results for PM 10, PM 2.5 and daily stroke attack were robust in the time-series design. Conclusions: We found some evidence for an effect of air pollutants on stroke attack risk. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.