Airway Mucus Occlusions in Ex-Smokers with and Without COPD.
COPDJun 16, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPulmonology
Sam Tcherner, Eveline Durom, Joshua Peters et al.
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In 30 seconds
This clinical trial evaluated airway mucus occlusions in 93 ex-smokers, 54 with moderate-to-severe COPD and 39 without, over approximately 31 months. The study found that while two-thirds of mucus plugs resolved, new plugs emerged, resulting in a total of 287 plugs at follow-up. Notably, there was no significant change in mucus score or count.
Key findings
- At follow-up, 6MWD and RV/TLC worsened in both COPD and non-COPD participants.
- At baseline, 289 mucus plugs were identified; 94 persisted and 193 new plugs formed by follow-up.
- No significant changes were observed in FEV1, mucus score, count, volume, or length (all p > 0.07).
- Significantly worse airway remodeling and ventilation defects were noted in both groups.
Why it matters
Understanding the dynamics of mucus plugs in COPD and at-risk populations is crucial for assessing disease progression and potential interventions. This study highlights the complexity of mucus occlusions and their implications for patient management.