Correlation of Sensitization with Mucus Plugging in COPD

Overview

Journal Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Date 2025 Jan 13

PMID 39802040

Authors

Ying Luo

Jiaqi Ren

Long Liang

Jingge Qu

Chun Chang

Yongchang Sun

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Both sensitization and mucus plugs are associated with poor clinical outcomes in COPD. However, little is known about the association between hypersensitivity and mucus plugging in patients with COPD.

Methods: We retrospectively enrolled COPD patients who had visited Peking University Third Hospital and received measurement of the specific IgE ( sIgE) from Oct 1, 2018 to Sep 30, 2023. The clinical, laboratory, and chest CT features were analyzed, with mucus plugging evaluation using the bronchopulmonary segment-based scoring system. Comparison was performed between COPD patients with and without hypersensitivity (AH).

Results: Among the 378 COPD patients with measurement of sIgE, 29 (7.7%) were classified as having AH ( sIgE>0.35KU/L). By propensity score matching (1:2), 58 patients without AH were included for comparison. Patients with AH had lower FEV1%pred (P=0.008) and FEV1/FVC (%) (P=0.023), and were more likely to have a blood eosinophil count exceeding 300/µL and higher white blood cell and neutrophil counts. The prevalence of luminal plugging on chest CT in subjects with AH was 58.6%, compared to 31.0% in those without AH (P=0.013). Multivariate regression analyses showed that sIgE more than 0.70 KU/L and blood neutrophil count were associated with mucus plugging.

Conclusion: In patients with COPD, sensitization was associated with lower lung function and mucus plugging on chest CT.

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