Compilation of Harm: Tobacco, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Mucus Plugs. Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

In COPD patients, mucus plugs are associated with lower lung function, worse quality of life, higher all-cause mortality, and a higher rate of exacerbations. The aim of the study was to determine whether subjects with COPD with a higher cumulative smoking history, such as current smokers, have a higher mucus plug score compared to former and never smokers with COPD.

Material and methods

We have carried out a systematic review of the literature (SRL) and a meta-analysis (MA).

Results

Nine articles were finally included in the SRL, and 6 of them were part of the MA. We found that subjects who had never smoked had a lower rate of mucus plugs when compared to active and ex-smokers (OR 0.08 [CI 95% 0.06, 0.12]). When comparing subjects with and without mucus p

SUBMITTER: de Granda-Orive JI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12441697 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul-Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature