Impact of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exposure on persistent cough after pulmonary resection in a Chinese tertiary hospital: a prospective cohort study protocol

Introduction
Previous studies have pointed out that persistent cough is a common complication after pulmonary resection and its occurrence is closely related to inflammatory response. However, there are no clinical studies to date that directly verify that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce the incidence of persistent cough after pulmonary resection (CAP). In view of this, this study aimed to explore and confirm whether exposure to NSAIDs can effectively reduce the incidence of CAP through a prospective cohort study.

Methods and analysis
We will conduct a single-centre, prospective cohort comparative study to investigate the impact of NSAIDs use on persistent cough after video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lung resection surgery. The study will include all patients without preoperative cough symptoms who are scheduled for VATS lung resection. These patients will be divided into exposed and non-exposed groups according to whether they used NSAIDs after surgery. The primary outcome measures of this study are the incidence of CAP and the association between NSAIDs exposure and the incidence of CAP in patients undergoing VATS lung resection, while the secondary outcome parameter was set as severity of cough.

Ethics and dissemination
This research was approved by the Ethics Committee of the 920th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (2024-041-01). The study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at professional conferences.

Trial registration number
NCT06476249.

Leggi
Giugno 2025

Association between anti-Müllerian hormone levels during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in infertile patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection: protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study

Introduction
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), recognised as the predominant aetiological factor in ovulatory dysfunction-related infertility, accounts for approximately 70% of anovulatory infertility cases. Patients with PCOS have significantly higher anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels than their counterparts undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) for non-PCOS indications (eg, male/tubal factors). Several studies have suggested that a high AMH level is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in IVF, particularly preterm delivery. However, most of these studies are retrospective studies, and their results are inconsistent. The majority of AMH measurements are conducted before pregnancy; however, AMH levels fluctuate dynamically during pregnancy. There is a pressing need for a well-structured prospective study to definitively establish whether high AMH levels during pregnancy are associated with IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) pregnancy outcomes in PCOS patients.

Methods and analysis
This prospective cohort study will be conducted at four reproductive medicine centres. The plan is to enrol 1,320 PCOS patients and 1320 non-PCOS women who undergo IVF/ICSI and achieve singleton clinical pregnancies. Serum samples will be collected at about 6 weeks of gestation to measure the serum AMH level. Follow-up visits will be conducted at 12, 28 and 37 weeks of gestation, delivery and 6 weeks after delivery to obtain information about pregnancy outcomes and complications. The primary outcome is preterm delivery.

Ethics and dissemination
The study was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of Peking University Third Hospital (M2022618). Informed consent will be obtained from all patients. The results of this clinical study will be presented at scientific conferences and submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number
ChiCTR2300068554.

Leggi
Giugno 2025