Time-Series Analysis of the Association Between Daily Outpatient Visits for Adult Atopic Dermatitis and Air Pollution in Beijing.

Abstract

Background: Few studies have examined the potential impact of air pollutants on atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults. Objective: This study aims to assess the relationship between atmospheric pollutants and the frequency of daily outpatient visits for AD in adults in Beijing. Methods: Data from Xiyuan Hospital were analyzed to assess the relationship between atmospheric pollutants and the frequency of daily outpatient visits for AD in adults in Beijing. Results: For individuals aged 41-60 years, a 10 μg/m³ increase in particulate matter (PM)_2.5, PM₁₀, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃) corresponded to a 0.3-2.9 increase, while a 10 mg/m³ increase in carbon monoxide (CO) was associated with a 3.4 increase (odds ratio [OR] = 1.034; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.014-1.054). Among individuals aged ≥60 years, a positive association with all pollutants was observed, particularly CO, presenting the strongest link to outpatient visits on day 6 (OR = 1.024; 95% CI: 1.003-1.044). Adult female patients with AD exhibited heightened susceptibility to air pollution, as evidenced by the positive correlations between the concentrations of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, SO₂, CO, NO₂, and O₃ and the frequency of female outpatient visits. Conclusion: These findings highlight the positive relationship between air pollution and outpatient visits in adult patients with AD.