Childhood Socioeconomic Status and Inflammatory Disease

There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

Hamlet Act 1, scene 5

Physicians are trained in human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics. It is not surprising that our view of disease, and even health, is mechanistic and molecular. Our understanding of disease derives from the basic sciences, but we are often humbled by our limited understanding of the basis of common inflammatory diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD), psoriasis, and autoimmune disorders. One such basis may be socioeconomic status (SES) in early life. SES affects access to quality healthcare, and many current political deliberations are aimed at addressing inequities in such access. Prior research has shown a…