Detection of EGFR mutations in patients with suspected lung cancer using paired tissue-plasma testing: a prospective comparative study with plasma ddPCR assay.

Detecting EGFR mutations in plasma using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay offers a promising diagnostic tool for lung cancer patients. The performance of plasma-based ddPCR assay relative to traditional EGFR mutation testing in tissue biopsies among Asian patients with suspected lung cancer remains underexplored. Consecutive patients admitted for diagnostic workup for suspected lung cancer were recruited.

Significance of lung nodules detected on chest CT among adult Aboriginal Australians - a retrospective descriptive study.

Introduction: There are limited data on chest computed tomography (CT) findings in the assessment of lung nodules among adult Aboriginal Australians. In this retrospective study, we assessed lung nodules among a group of adult Aboriginal Australians in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Methods: Patients who underwent at least two chest CT scans between 2012 and 2020 among those referred to undergo lung function testing (spirometry) were included.

Accuracy of forced oscillation technique to assess lung function in geriatric COPD population.

Introduction: Performing lung function test in geriatric patients has never been an easy task. With well-established evidence indicating impaired small airway function and air trapping in patients with geriatric COPD, utilizing forced oscillation technique (FOT) as a supplementary tool may aid in the assessment of lung function in this population.

Aims: To study the use of FOT in the assessment of airflow limitation and air trapping in geriatric COPD patients.

Frequent Exacerbator: The Phenotype at Risk of Depressive Symptoms in Geriatric COPD Patients.

Introduction: Depression is associated with a poorer quality of life and higher rate of COPD exacerbations and mortality. However, with multiple confounding factors, 'independent' risk factor for depression among COPD patients remains ambiguous. Our study aims to identify independent risk factors for depression by specifically evaluating for any independent relationship between frequent exacerbations and various domains of the BODE index on depression.

Benefits of high-dose N-acetylcysteine to exacerbation-prone patients with COPD.

Background: Although high-dose N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been suggested to reduce COPD exacerbations, it is unclear which category of patients with COPD would benefit most from NAC treatment. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of high-dose NAC (600 mg bid) between high-risk and low-risk Chinese patients with COPD.

Methods: Patients with spirometry-confirmed stable COPD were randomized to treatment with either NAC 600 mg bid or placebo in addition to their usual treatments.

High-dose N-acetylcysteine in stable COPD: the 1-year, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled HIACE study.

Background: The mucolytic and antioxidant effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may have great value in COPD treatment. However, beneficial effects have not been confirmed in clinical studies, possibly due to insufficient NAC doses and/or inadequate outcome parameters used. The objective of this study was to investigate high-dose NAC plus usual therapy in Chinese patients with stable COPD.