High plasma concentrations of organic pollutants negatively impact survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

At a glance

This study sought to determine whether persistent organic pollutants affect ALS survival.

Affiliates

Stephen A Goutman1,2 Jonathan Boss3, Adam Patterson1,2, Bhramar Mukherjee3, Stuart Batterman4, Eva L Feldman1,2

  1. Department of Neurology, University of Michigan
  2. Program for Neurology, Research and Discovery, University of Michigan
  3. Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan
  4. Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan

Journal

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry

Summary

Persistent organic pollutants (POP) are a suspected risk factor for ALS. This study sought to determine whether POPs affect ALS survival. ALS participants seen at the University of Michigan provided plasma samples for extent of POPs. Survival models assessed exposure to POPs and survival length. Higher levels of POPs in plasma are related with shorter ALS survival, independent of age, gender, onset type, and other factors. This study helps describe and quantify the combined effects of POPs on ALS and supports the concept that environmental exposures play a role in disease development.

Link to paper

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Content Source:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry