Journal Information
Original Article
Mucus Plugs as Precursors to Exacerbation and Lung Function Decline in COPD Patients
Kwang Nam Jina, Hyo Jin Leeb, Heemoon Parkb, Jung-Kyu Leeb, Eun Young Heob, Deog Kyeom Kimb, Hyun Woo Leeb,
Corresponding author
a Department of Radiology, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
b Division of Respiratory and Critical Care, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Highlights
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COPD patients with mucus plugs had higher rates of acute exacerbations.
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Higher mucus plug scores, especially ≥3, linked to shorter times to exacerbation.
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Mucus plugs correlated with a faster annual FEV1 decline rate.