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. 2020 Sep 1;180(9):1248-1250.
doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.1672.

Emergency Visits for Thunderstorm-Related Respiratory Illnesses Among Older Adults

Eric Zou  1 , Christopher Worsham  2 , Nolan H Miller  3 , David Molitor  3 , Julian Reif  3 , Anupam B Jena  2
Affiliations

Emergency Visits for Thunderstorm-Related Respiratory Illnesses Among Older Adults

Eric Zou et al. JAMA Intern Med. .

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examines the association between thunderstorm-related atmospheric changes and emergency department visits for acute respiratory illnesses among Medicare beneficiaries.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Dr Jena reports receiving consulting fees unrelated to this work from Pfizer, Hill Rom Services, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Celgene, Tesaro, Sanofi Aventis, Biogen, Precision Health Economics, and Analysis Group.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Changes in Atmospheric Conditions Around Thunderstorms
Each panel shows coefficients from a county day–level multivariable linear regression in which the dependent variable was a specific weather outcome and independent variables included 20 lead day indicators, thunderstorm day indicator, and 20 lag day indicators (an event study approach). The lines represent different storm definitions (any lightning; lightning with positive precipitation, and lightning with positive precipitation and above-median wind speed on the storm date). All regressions adjusted for county, year, month of the year, and day of the week fixed effects. Full details are provided in the eMethods in the Supplement.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Emergency Department Visits for Respiratory Illness Around Thunderstorms
Each panel shows coefficients from a county day–level multivariable linear regression in which the dependent variable was the rate of emergency department visits for respiratory illness among Medicare beneficiaries (per million) and independent variables included 20 lead day indicators, thunderstorm day indicator, and 20 lag day indicators (an event study approach). Regressions were estimated separately for 4 groups of beneficiaries with different chronic condition histories. The lines represent different storm definitions (any lightning, lightning with positive precipitation, and lightning with positive precipitation and above-median wind speed on the storm date). All regressions adjusted for county, year, month of the year, and day of the week fixed effects. Full details are provided in the eMethods in the Supplement. COPD indicates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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