Here’s What’s Inside
The Research Roundup
New cough science publications vetted and collected in one place
Key Takeaway: In IPF, studies have consistently reported correlations between various cough and HRQoL measures, with patients referencing disruption of daily activities, fatigue and social embarrassment. However the methods for assessing cough are heterogeneous, and there is minimal research into economic burden.
Why It Matters: The findings of this systematic research review confirm the negative impact of cough on HRQoL in IPF - it appears that cough is a symptom that, if better managed, can significantly improve patients’ lives. The study also highlights the need for standardized assessment tools for both objective cough and QoL.
Key Takeaway: 18 interviews & a survey with 298 ILD patients confirmed cough is one of the most bothersome symptoms of ILD, along with shortness of breath & fatigue. Half of patients thought a one-category change on a 5-option ordinal response scale would be meaningful for both worsening & improvement.
Why It Matters: The study suggests the potential for patient global impressions of severity (PGIS) as single-item PROs that can be used to understand what constitutes a meaningful change in symptoms for patients. With this measure, the minimum (i.e. 1-category) improvement or worsening of cough was considered meaningful.
Key Takeaways: This study used a novel PRO - the Sensations and Triggers Provoking Cough questionnaire (TOPIC) - and showed higher TOPIC scores in RCC patients versus other cough-related conditions. Median TOPIC score was significantly higher in RUCC (37.0) vs ILD (24.5, p=0.009) and asthma (7.0, p<0.001).
Why it matters: High TOPIC scores in RCC/UCC versus other diseases, suggests that RCC/UCC is characterised by specific sensations and triggers. The TOPIC questionnaire therefore may demonstrate value as an aid to diagnose RCC/UCC versus cough in other conditions.
Plus…
Deep Dive with Researchers
Exploring the Possibilities of Longitudinal Cough Data:
Q&A with Dr Emily Henkle, Associate Professor at Oregon Health & Science University
Dr Emily Henkle spoke to Hyfe about her research into PROs for Non-tuberculosis Mycobacteria (NTM). Her study includes analyzing cough patterns for their potential power to predict disease progression, plus assessing treatment impact.
“Our goal isn’t just to collect data for the sake of it, but to truly understand what’s useful to monitor, what can predict or expedite diagnosis, and when interventions are necessary”
Read the full Q&A here.
Cough Science Events Ahead
European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress - it’s that time of year again! Hyfe is looking forward to meeting colleagues and collaborators new and old in Vienna later this week. Hyfe is presenting our validation results; insights from analyzing cough variability among persistent coughers; and the minimal impact of environmental coughs to someone being monitored with Hyfe’s CoughMonitor smartwatch. If you’d like to meet with Hyfe, just reply to this email.
ERS 2024 BIKE RIDE!
Hyfe and friends will be taking a spin round Vienna, through the local hills, vineyards and along the Danube. Everyone is welcome and we'll make sure we'll add at least one classic stop at a cafe or a traditional Heuriger for some local wine and a snack! Fill out this form here, and we will sort out a few bikes and helmets or connect you with a local bike shop if you’re interested!
