METHODS: This was a prospective, single-arm interventional study among COPD subjects with small airway disease. Subjects were instructed to use twice daily Aerobika® OPEP (10 min each session); for 24 weeks; as an additional to standard therapy. IOS, spirometry, 6MWT, CAT score and severe exacerbation events were evaluated at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This 12-week randomised, double-blinded, placebo control, parallel-group clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of YBG 1,3/1,6 on respiratory tract infection, fatigue, immune markers and gut health among adults with moderate stress. The study involves 198 adults aged 18-59 years with moderate stress levels as assessed using Perceived Stress Scale 10 (score 14-26) and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (score ≥9); and had symptoms of common colds for the past 6 months as assessed using Jackson Cold Scale. These participants will be randomised into three groups, receiving YBG 1,3/1,6 at either 120 mg, 204 mg or a placebo. The outcomes measures include respiratory infection symptoms, fatigue, mood state and quality of life assessed using Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptoms Scale, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, Profile of Mood State and Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire, respectively. In addition, full blood analysis and assessment of immune, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers will be taken. Secondary outcome includes gut microbiota analysis using stool samples via 16S rRNA sequencing.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The research protocol of the study was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM/PPI/111/8/JEP-2023-211). The findings will be disseminated to participants, healthcare professionals and researchers via conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on patient data from those who underwent pleuroscopy at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz from January 2021 to December 2023. We included patients with pleural effusion who underwent both cell block and pleural biopsy with a confirmed diagnosis of malignancy through histopathological examination. At least 200 ml of pleural fluid was collected, followed by the biopsy of six or more pleural tissue samples.

RESULTS: Out of the 196 pleuroscopy procedures analysed, 91 patients were diagnosed with malignant pleural effusion. Malignancy was diagnosed in 50 (54.9%) cases using cell block analysis, whereas pleural biopsy identified malignancy in 81 (89%) cases. The diagnostic yield was significantly higher for pleural biopsy compared to pleural fluid cell block [89% (81/91) vs. 54.9% (50/91); p < 0.001]. Among patients with negative results on pleural fluid cell block, 33 (36.3%) had positive results on pleural biopsy. The definitive diagnoses of malignancy included 64 (70.3%) cases of lung adenocarcinoma, 4 (4.4%) cases of lung squamous carcinoma, 2 (2.2%) cases of small cell lung cancer, 2 (2.2%) cases of mesothelioma, and 19 (20.9%) cases of metastatic carcinoma. Eight (8.8%) patients exhibited negative findings on both pleural fluid cell block and pleural biopsy. Further diagnoses were achieved through computed tomography-guided needle tru-cut biopsy of the lung in 6 patients (6.6%), transbronchial lung biopsy in 1 patient (1.1%), and cervical lymph node biopsy in 1 patient (1.1%).

METHODS: A pragmatic, multi-centre, open-labelled, randomised trial. Eligible patients with MPE and an IPC will be randomised 1:1 to either regular topical mupirocin prophylaxis or no mupirocin (standard care). For the interventional arm, topical mupirocin will be applied around the IPC exit-site after each drainage, at least twice weekly. Weekly follow-up via phone calls or in person will be conducted for up to 6 months. The primary outcome is the percentage of patients who develop an IPC-related (pleural, skin, or tract) infection between the time of catheter insertion and end of follow-up period. Secondary outcomes include analyses of infection (types and episodes), hospitalisation days, health economics, adverse events, and survival. Subject to interim analyses, the trial will recruit up to 418 participants.

DISCUSSION: Results from this trial will determine the efficacy of mupirocin prophylaxis in patients who require IPC for MPE. It will provide data on infection rates, microbiology, and potentially infection pathways associated with IPC-related infections.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Health Care Group Human Research Ethics Committee has approved the study (RGS0000005920). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences.