Epidemiological Descriptive Analysis of a Case Series of ALS Patients from 2008-2009 in Six Counties of Western Pennsylvania 

Objectives:  ALS is a rare disease with a global incidence of 1-2 cases per 100,000 persons and an estimated prevalence of 5 per 100,000.The etiology of ALS is not known although environmental risk factors are thought to play a role.The history of the steel industry and several hazardous waste sites, landfills, and Superfund sites provide a suitable setting for studying ALS in Western PA.  The purpose of this pilot study is to test the feasibility of conducting a case control study of personal, occupational and environmental risk factors in the six county area of Western Pa.  We begin by conducting a descriptive analysis of ALS cases by age at onset, gender, race and area of residence for a large ALS research Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Methods:  Validation of a questionnaire measuring risk factors for ALS and assessment of the feasibility of information on proximity to waste sites, and environmental, occupational, residential, and personal lifestyle factors through personal interviews is presently ongoing.Age race and gender matched controls will be obtained. Time of onset and disease severity is also being assessed. Geographic information systems (GIS) techniques are being used to relate proximity of subjects’ residences to surrounding toxic waste sites and major landfill areas.

Implications for public health:  This is only one of two studies conducted on the environmental and personal risk factors for ALSand will provide useful information in identifyingrisk factors for this disease.

For more information, please contact Dr. Evelyn O. Talbott at 412-624-3074 or eot1@pitt.edu.