Role of environmental factors on cystic fibrosis disease severity: spatio-temporal analyses
File(s)
Author(s)
Saleem Khan, Muhammad
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a severe respiratory illness, and environmental factors are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to its severity. This PhD research investigated the impact of air pollution and bioaerosols on the health of people with CF (pwCF) in the UK. Limited research existed on this topic, despite evidence linking environmental exposures to respiratory health.
Using data from the UK CF Registry – representing over 99% of pwCF in the UK – the research employed spatio-temporal analyses to explore environmental exposures and disease severity. The primary areas of focus were:
• Short- and long-term effects of air pollutants PM2.5 and NO2 on lung function and pulmonary exacerbations. Results suggested a significant association between PM2.5 exposure and increased intravenous antibiotic use in adult CF patients, while the impact on lung function remained inconclusive.
• Potential health risks associated with living near industrial composting sites. This novel study found a possible link between proximity to composting facilities and reduced lung function, as well as increased exacerbation rates in pwCF.
These findings highlight the potential dangers posed by air pollution and bioaerosols to the health of pwCF. The research underscores the importance of:
• Public health policies aimed at reducing air pollution, particularly PM2.5 levels.
• Strategic siting of composting facilities to minimize potential health risks for vulnerable populations.
• Collaboration between healthcare providers and pwCF to understand residential environments and implement mitigation strategies.
Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind these associations and confirm the observed effects. Ultimately, this work aims to contribute to improved public health policies and environmental management, leading to better health outcomes for pwCF.
Using data from the UK CF Registry – representing over 99% of pwCF in the UK – the research employed spatio-temporal analyses to explore environmental exposures and disease severity. The primary areas of focus were:
• Short- and long-term effects of air pollutants PM2.5 and NO2 on lung function and pulmonary exacerbations. Results suggested a significant association between PM2.5 exposure and increased intravenous antibiotic use in adult CF patients, while the impact on lung function remained inconclusive.
• Potential health risks associated with living near industrial composting sites. This novel study found a possible link between proximity to composting facilities and reduced lung function, as well as increased exacerbation rates in pwCF.
These findings highlight the potential dangers posed by air pollution and bioaerosols to the health of pwCF. The research underscores the importance of:
• Public health policies aimed at reducing air pollution, particularly PM2.5 levels.
• Strategic siting of composting facilities to minimize potential health risks for vulnerable populations.
• Collaboration between healthcare providers and pwCF to understand residential environments and implement mitigation strategies.
Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind these associations and confirm the observed effects. Ultimately, this work aims to contribute to improved public health policies and environmental management, leading to better health outcomes for pwCF.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2023-07-03
Date Awarded
01/06/2024
License URL
Advisor
Piel, Frédéric B
Sponsor
UK Cistic Fibrosis Registry
Medical Research Council (Great Britain)
Publisher Department
School of Public Health
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)