Abstract
Background: Numerous studies have reported variable associations between
ambient particulate matter (PM) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) hospitalizations and mortality. Objective: To conduct a systematic study
assessing the associations between hospitalizations and mortality from COPD
and ambient PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters . 10 ƒÊm, PM10).
Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in 6 common electronic databases.
A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) to evaluate the
relationship between PM10 and COPD hospitalizations and mortality. Publication
bias and heterogeneity of samples were tested by Begg funnel plot and Egger test,
respectively. Study fi ndings were analyzed using random-effect model and fi xedeffect
model. Results: The search yielded 31 studies suitable for the meta-analysis
during the period from Jan 1, 2000 to Oct 31, 2011. A 10ƒÊg/m3 increase in PM10 was
associated with a 2.7% (95%CI = 1.9%-3.6%) increase in COPD hospitalizations
with an OR of 1.027 (95%CI: 1.019.1.036), and a 1.1% (95%CI: 0.8%.1.4%) increase
in COPD mortality with an OR of 1.011 (95%CI: 1.008-1.014). Conclusions: Ambient
PM10 is associated with increased COPD hospitalizations and mortality. Further
research is needed to elucidate whether this association is causal and to clarify
its mechanisms.