[Consequences of atmospheric pollution fluctuations in patients with COPD].
BACKGROUND
Fluctuations in atmospheric pollution are responsible for an important morbidity and mortality in the patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).


BACKGROUND
Epidemiological studies show a significant increase in the mortality and hospitalization rates in COPD patients in relation to moderate increases in atmospheric pollution. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate a pro-inflammatory role and an oxidative toxicity of atmospheric particles and secondary morphological and functional changes in the respiratory epithelium and the immune system. An excess of particulate matter, ozone, NO(2), SO(2) and CO is directly correlated to the number of episodes of acute respiratory failure in different countries all over the world. The mechanisms implicated are complex and variable, dependent on the different pollutant agents, climatic variations and inter-individual susceptibility.


CONCLUSIONS
Further experimental studies are necessary in order to clarify our fundamental understanding and, alongside better control of air quality, to reduce short-term respiratory complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The consequences of atmospheric pollution fluctuations on the exacerbation rate and therefore on the morbidity and mortality of patients with COPD emphasize the importance of preventive environmental management in the field of public health.
UPRES EA 3830, IFR MP 23, unité de soins intensifs respiratoires, service de pneumologie et soins intensifs, CHU de Rouen, institut hospitalo-universitaire de recherche bio-médicale, université de Rouen, 76031 Rouen cedex, France.
N
N
Amiot
J
J
Tillon
C
C
Viacroze
H
H
Aouine
J-F
JF
Muir
D000208:Acute Disease; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000633:toxicity; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D016084:Bronchoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D008685:Meteorological Concepts; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000009:adverse effects; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011817:Rabbits; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide / Q000633:toxicity
D000393:Air Pollutants; D052638:Particulate Matter; D013458:Sulfur Dioxide