Air pollution and traffic linked to deaths and organ rejection in lung transplant patients

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-09/elf-apa092515.php

Public Release: 28-Sep-2015
Air pollution and traffic linked to deaths and organ rejection in lung transplant patients
European Lung Foundation

Researchers have shown for the first time that lung transplant patients in Europe who live on or near busy roads with high levels of air pollution are more likely to die or to experience chronic organ rejection, than those living in less polluted areas.

Dr David Ruttens, from the University of Leuven (Belgium) told the European Respiratory Society's International Congress today (29 September, 2015) that the risk of dying increased by 10% for patients living in an area where air pollution was above World Health Organization (WHO) recommended maximum levels, compared with patients living in areas with lower levels of pollution. However, this increased risk was not seen in lung transplant patients who were taking a class of antibiotics called macrolides, which include azithromycin and clarithromycin.

WHO estimates that 3.7 million people worldwide die prematurely every year as a result of exposure to small particulate matter measuring between 2.5-10 micrometers in diameter (known as PM10). Ten micrometers is less than the width of a human hair, and PM10 particles tend to be dust particles stirred up by vehicles on roads and some grinding operations. WHO recommends PM10 particles should not exceed 20 micrograms per cubic metre in the atmosphere

Dr Ruttens said: "Short and long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increase in deaths from respiratory diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations. Lung transplant patients are among the most vulnerable because they have weakened immune systems due to the immunosuppressive drugs they have to take to prevent organ rejection."

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"Our results show that both deaths and chronic rejection in lung transplant patients are associated with air pollution and exposure to traffic," said Dr Ruttens. "Lowering the levels of air pollution in Europe would significantly improve the chances of these patients' survival and lower their risk of organ rejection. For instance, if levels of air pollution were reduced to below the maximum recommended by the WHO, there would be a 9.9% reduction in deaths among lung transplant patients who were not taking macrolides, and 6.4% reduction among all patients, regardless of whether or not they were taking macrolides.

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