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Published on: July 12, 2024
Relationship Between Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Hospitalizations and Mortality of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Rui-Xia Zhu1, Xiu-Hong Nie2, Ya-Hong Chen3
1Respiratory Department, Fuxing Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Background:
Numerous studies have reported associations between particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hospitalizations and mortality in cities worldwide. Nonetheless, the evidence of an association remains varied and limited.
Methods:
Systematic searches were conducted in 6 common English and Chinese electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Ovid, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI]). A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) to evaluate the relationship between PM2.5 and COPD hospitalizations and mortality. Publication bias and heterogeneity of samples were tested using a funnel plot and the Egger's test. Studies were analyzed using either a random-effect model or a fixed-effect model.
Results:
The search yielded 18 studies suitable for meta-analysis during the period from Jan 1, 2010 to Dec 31, 2018. A 10-μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 was associated with a 2.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8-3.2%) increase in COPD hospitalizations, with an OR of 1.025 (95% CI: 1.018-1.032), and a 1.5% (95% CI: 0.9-2.2%) increase in COPD mortality, with an OR of 1.015 (95% CI: 1.009-1.022). Comparing different age groups, elderly people were more sensitive to the adverse effects. The estimated risk was higher in European countries than Asian countries, and in warm compared cold seasons. Various additional confounding factors also led to different results.
Conclusions:
PM2.5 is associated with COPD hospitalizations and mortality. Controlling ambient air pollution would provide benefits to COPD patients.
Insights
Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to increased hospitalizations and mortality for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Reducing air pollution can benefit COPD patients.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hospitalizations and mortality globally.
- Existing evidence on the association between PM2.5 and COPD outcomes is varied and limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the association between PM2.5 exposure and COPD hospitalizations and mortality.
- To quantify the risk of COPD hospitalizations and mortality associated with PM2.5 exposure using meta-analysis.
Main Methods:
- Conducted systematic searches in 6 major English and Chinese electronic databases.
- Performed a meta-analysis of 18 studies (2010-2018) to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for COPD hospitalizations and mortality related to PM2.5.
- Assessed publication bias and heterogeneity using funnel plots and Egger's test, employing random-effect or fixed-effect models.
Main Results:
- A 10-μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 was associated with a 2.5% increase in COPD hospitalizations (OR: 1.025) and a 1.5% increase in COPD mortality (OR: 1.015).
- Elderly individuals exhibited higher sensitivity to PM2.5 effects.
- Estimated risks were higher in European countries compared to Asian countries, and during warmer seasons.
Conclusions:
- PM2.5 exposure is significantly associated with increased hospitalizations and mortality in patients with COPD.
- Controlling ambient air pollution is crucial for mitigating adverse health outcomes in COPD patients.
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