Michal Zielinski
Medical University of Silesia, Poland
Title: The impact of short term atmospheric particulate matter exposure on COPD exacerbations
Biography
Biography: Michal Zielinski
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the association between particulate matter concentration and COPD exacerbations. Exposure was evaluated based on atmospheric concentrations in a week preceding hospital admission.
Material and Methods: Data about the COPD exacerbations was obtained from ÅšlÄ…ska Baza Sercowo-Naczyniowa database, which provides informations concerning cardiovascular diseases in Silesia region population. It covers 616 413 patients observed from 2006 to 2014. 12889 patients with ICD-10 J44 main diagnosis and exclusion of cardiovascular cause of symptoms were included in the study. Atmospheric particulate matter data was acquired from ÅšlÄ…ski Monitoring Powietrza database which covers information about air pollution in Silesia region. Particulate matter exposure was approximated using moving average of atmospheric concentrations of particulate matter with a mean aerodynamic diameter of 2.5μm (PM2.5) and 10μm (PM10). Statistical analysis was performed using generalized linear model with logarithmic link function. Temperature, humidity, wind velocity, atmospheric pressure, season were considered as confounding factors. Poisson distribution was assumed for the dependent variable. Significance level of 0.05 was assumed.
Results: The COPD exacerbations were not depended on PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations (p>0.05). Rise of statistical significance with the observation period was observed for PM2.5, though it never crossed set level of 0.05.
Conclusion: Short term exposure to particulate matter does not affect COPD exacerbations irrespectively of mean aerodynamic diameter. Results justify further study with long term exposure analysis.