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Mucus plugs in the airways of asthmatic subjects and smoking status.
- Source :
-
Respiratory Research . 1/23/2024, Vol. 25 Issue 1, p1-12. 12p. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Background: Mucus plugs have been described in the airways of asthmatic subjects, particularly those with associated with type 2 inflammation and sputum eosinophilia. In the current study we addressed the question of whether smoking, neutrophilic inflammation and airway dimensions affected the prevalence of mucus plugs. Methods: In a cohort of moderate to severe asthmatics (n = 50), including a group of ex-smokers and current smokers, the prevalence of mucus plugs was quantified using a semi-quantitative score based on thoracic computerized tomography. The relationships between mucus score, sputum inflammatory profile and airway architecture were tested according to patient's smoking status. Results: Among the asthmatics (37% former or active smokers), 74% had at least one mucus plug. The median score was 3 and was unrelated to smoking status. A significant but weak correlation was found between mucus score, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. Mucus score was significantly correlated with sputum eosinophils. Among former and active smokers, mucus score was correlated with sputum neutrophils. Mucus score was positively associated with FeNO in non-smoking subjects. The lumen dimensions of the main and lobar bronchi were significantly inversely correlated with mucus score. Conclusion: Airway mucus plugs could define an asthma phenotype with altered airway architecture and can occur in asthmatic subjects with either neutrophilic or eosinophilic sputum according to their smoking status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *MUCUS
*COMPUTED tomography
*SMOKING
*SPUTUM
*EX-smokers
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14659921
- Volume :
- 25
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Respiratory Research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 174971723
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-024-02665-w