Development of the first myasthenia gravis patient registry in Latvia: a single-centre experience.

Global climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall and flooding, which may contribute to adverse respiratory health outcomes. Flood victims face exposure to various hazardous substances, both acutely and over extended periods, which may adversely affect chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a prevalent respiratory disorder associated with substantial morbidity and healthcare impact worldwide. In addition to smoking, exposure to biomass, occupational irritants, and air pollution has been reported as a contributing factor in the development of COPD. COPD exacerbations are triggered by infection, air pollution, or unknown causes and are associated with disease progression and poor prognosis. Understanding potential risk factors for COPD, including environmental exposures, is important for timely treatment and prevention of disease progression. However, little is known about the impact of flood disasters on COPD. Given the rapid increase in flood disasters globally, understanding the impact of flood disasters on COPD is critical for both clinical management and public health. Heavy rainfall struck western Japan between June 28 and July 8, 2018, causing widespread landslides and river flooding. The 2018 Japan Floods, one of the largest flood disasters in Japan’s recorded history, resulted in 263 fatalities, 484 injuries, and 8 missing persons. In addition, 29,473 houses were affected, including those completely destroyed, half-destroyed, partially destroyed, or flooded above the floor level. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of flood disasters on the prescription rates of COPD medications. We used a large-scale public health insurance database to compare new prescriptions for COPD controller medications and exacerbation-related prescriptions between victims and non-victims of the disaster within 1 year after the 2018 Japan Floods.