IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTANTS AND METEOROLOGICAL PARAMETERS ON PNEUMONIA IN OLDER ADULTS: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between air pollutants, weather parameters, and the characteristics and mortality of pneumonia in the older adult population. Methods: This retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study included a total of 388 patients. Air pollutants and meteorological parameters were retrieved from official databases. Statistical tests were conducted using correlation and binary logistic regression analyses. Results: The study cohort comprised 388 intensive care patients aged 65 and older, with a mean age of 77.63 years. The proportion of women in the cohort was 33% (n = 130). PSI was inversely correlated with NO exposure and positively correlated with O3 exposure (r = -0.199 and r = 0.313, respectively). Albumin and PaO2 /FiO2 values were positively correlated with NO (r = 0.115 and r = 0.169, respectively) and inversely correlated with O3 (r = -0.137 and r = -0.145, respectively). An increase in humidity and wind speed over three days was positively correlated with PSI (r = 0.319 and r = 0.144, respectively). Both temperature and humidity increases were positively correlated with CRP levels (r = 0.167 and r = 0.135, respectively), whereas rainfall was inversely correlated with CRP (r = -0.188). Increased O3 exposure during the three- and seven-day periods preceding the patient visit increased the risk of death at a similar rate (odds ratio [OR]: 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.03). Increased humidity exposure was also associated with higher mortality (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.11). Conclusion: Meteorological changes and air pollution are factors that can increase the severity and mortality risk of pneumonia in the older adult population. Increased wind speed can elevate pneumonia severity, while high O3 and humidity exposure can heighten both the severity and mortality associated with the disease.