RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Air pollution, outdoor temperatures, and their impact on acute exacerbations of COPD
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P4123
VO 44
IS Suppl 58
A1 Iliya Krachunov
A1 Nikolay Yanev
A1 Nikolay Kyuchukov
A1 Zlatina Ivanova
A1 Petkana Hristova
A1 Plamen Pavlov
A1 Pavlina Glogovska
A1 Tsanya Popova
A1 Yavor Ivanov
YR 2014
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P4123.abstract
AB IntroductionThere is increasing evidence for the deleterious effect of air pollution on respiratory health. Higher levels of PM10 were found to correlate with higher levels of hospitalizations and mortality for respiratory reasons.AimTo study the relationships between air pollutants levels, outdoor temperatures and the rate of exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD).MethodsCOPD patients living inPlevenwere prospectively followed for AECPOD for a year. The level of PM10, NO2, SO2 and outdoor temperatures were taken from the regional environmental office. Statgraphics plus v.2.1 was used for statistical analysis.ResultsA total of 304 AECOPD were found. Mean age was 67(SD±10) and 69.9% were men. The mean annual levels of PM10 were 45.48µg/m3. There were106 days with mean concentration higher than 50 µg/m3. Daily mean concentrations of PM10 were found to correlate with daily mean concentrations of NO2, SO2 and have negative correlation with daily mean temperature. Daily mean temperature correlated with daily mean levels of NO2 and SO2(p<0,00). Daily number of AECOPD was found to correlate with higher mean level of PM10 in the 6 days preceding the exacerbation(0.14; p<0.02) and daily mean temperatures(-0.2; p<0.001). The negative correlation between the number of AECOPD and daily mean temperatures was stronger in days with levels of PM10 higher than 50 µg/m3(-0.3vs.-0.18).ConclusionsThe levels of PM10 were higher than recommended by the WHO. Lower daily mean temperatures were associated with increased levels of air pollutants. The levels of PM10 correlated with levels of other air pollutants. The daily number of AECOPD correlated with the mean concentration of PM10 in the 6 days preceding the exacerbation.