The P2X3 receptor antagonist filapixant in patients with refractory chronic cough: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: P2X3 receptor antagonists seem to have a promising potential for treating patients with refractory chronic cough. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, we investigated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the novel selective P2X3 receptor antagonist filapixant (BAY1902607) in patients with refractory chronic cough. METHODS: Following a crossover design, 23 patients with refractory chronic cough (age: 60.4 ± 9.1 years) received ascending doses of filapixant in one period (20, 80, 150, and 250 mg, twice daily, 4-days-on/3-days-off) and placebo in the other. The primary efficacy endpoint was the 24-h cough frequency on Day 4 of each dosing step. Further, subjective cough severity and health-related quality of life were assessed. RESULTS: Filapixant at doses ≥ 80 mg significantly reduced cough frequency and severity and improved cough health-related quality of life. Reductions in 24-h cough frequency over placebo ranged from 17% (80 mg dose) to 37% (250 mg dose), reductions over baseline from 23% (80 mg) to 41% (250 mg) (placebo: 6%). Reductions in cough severity ratings on a 100-mm visual analog scale ranged from 8 mm (80 mg) to 21 mm (250 mg). No serious or severe adverse events or adverse events leading to discontinuation of treatment were reported. Taste-related adverse events occurred in 4%, 13%, 43%, and 57% of patients treated with filapixant 20, 80, 150, and 250 mg, respectively, and in 12% treated with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Filapixant proved to be efficacious, safe, and-apart from the occurrence of taste disturbances, especially at higher dosages-well tolerated during the short therapeutic intervention. Clinical trial registration EudraCT, eudract.ema.europa.eu, 2018-000129-29; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03535168.

Opioids in patients with COPD and refractory dyspnea: literature review and design of a multicenter double blind study of low dosed morphine and fentanyl (MoreFoRCOPD).

BACKGROUND: Refractory dyspnea or breathlessness is a common symptom in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with a high negative impact on quality of life (QoL). Low dosed opioids have been investigated for refractory dyspnea in COPD and other life-limiting conditions, and some positive effects were demonstrated. However, upon first assessment of the literature, the quality of evidence in COPD seemed low or inconclusive, and focused mainly on morphine which may have more side effects than other opioids such as fentanyl. For the current publication we performed a systematic literature search. We searched for placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials investigating opioids for refractory dyspnea caused by COPD. We included trials reporting on dyspnea, health status and/or QoL. Three of fifteen trials demonstrated a significant positive effect of opioids on dyspnea. Only one of four trials reporting on QoL or health status, demonstrated a significant positive effect. Two-thirds of included trials investigated morphine. We found no placebo-controlled RCT on transdermal fentanyl. Subsequently, we hypothesized that both fentanyl and morphine provide a greater reduction of dyspnea than placebo, and that fentanyl has less side effects than morphine. METHODS: We describe the design of a robust, multi-center, double blind, double-dummy, cross-over, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with three study arms investigating transdermal fentanyl 12 mcg/h and morphine sustained-release 10 mg b.i.d. The primary endpoint is change in daily mean dyspnea sensation measured on a numeric rating scale. Secondary endpoints are change in daily worst dyspnea, QoL, anxiety, sleep quality, hypercapnia, side effects, patient preference, and continued opioid use. Sixty patients with severe stable COPD and refractory dyspnea (FEV1 < 50%, mMRC ≥ 3, on optimal standard therapy) will be included. DISCUSSION: Evidence for opioids for refractory dyspnea in COPD is not as robust as usually appreciated. We designed a study comparing both the more commonly used opioid morphine, and transdermal fentanyl to placebo. The cross-over design will help to get a better impression of patient preferences. We believe our study design to investigate both sustained-release morphine and transdermal fentanyl for refractory dyspnea will provide valuable information for better treatment of refractory dyspnea in COPD. Trial registration NCT03834363 (ClinicalTrials.gov), registred at 7 Feb 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03834363 .

[Coughing]. / Hoesten.

Coughing may impair the quality of life, for instance by interfering with sleep or social interactions. Acute cough is almost invariably caused by a viral respiratory tract infection and seldom warrants medical consultation or treatment. Red flags in cough (haemoptysis, high fever or severe illness) may be indicative of a life threatening underlying disease. Wet and dry cough often have the same aetiology, and a different approach is therefore not needed.

Tailored anticoagulant treatment after a first venous thromboembolism: protocol of the Leiden Thrombosis Recurrence Risk Prevention (L-TRRiP) study - cohort-based randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with a first venous thromboembolism (VTE) are at risk of recurrence. Recurrent VTE (rVTE) can be prevented by extended anticoagulant therapy, but this comes at the cost of an increased risk of bleeding. It is still uncertain whether patients with an intermediate recurrence risk or with a high recurrence and high bleeding risk will benefit from extended anticoagulant treatment, and whether a strategy where anticoagulant duration is tailored on the predicted risks of rVTE and bleeding can improve outcomes. The aim of the Leiden Thrombosis Recurrence Risk Prevention (L-TRRiP) study is to evaluate the outcomes of tailored duration of long-term anticoagulant treatment based on individualised assessment of rVTE and major bleeding risks. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The L-TRRiP study is a multicentre, open-label, cohort-based, randomised controlled trial, including patients with a first VTE. We classify the risk of rVTE and major bleeding using the L-TRRiP and VTE-BLEED scores, respectively. After 3 months of anticoagulant therapy, patients with a low rVTE risk will discontinue anticoagulant treatment, patients with a high rVTE and low bleeding risk will continue anticoagulant treatment, whereas all other patients will be randomised to continue or discontinue anticoagulant treatment. All patients will be followed up for at least 2 years. Inclusion will continue until the randomised group consists of 608 patients; we estimate to include 1600 patients in total. The primary outcome is the combined incidence of rVTE and major bleeding in the randomised group after 2 years of follow-up. Secondary outcomes include the incidence of rVTE and major bleeding, functional outcomes, quality of life and cost-effectiveness in all patients. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee Leiden-Den Haag-Delft. Results are expected in 2028 and will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and during (inter)national conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06087952.

Sonographic follow-up of diaphragm function in COVID-19: an exploratory study.

Introduction: Survivors of COVID-19 frequently endure chronic disabilities. We hypothesise that diaphragm function has a long recovery time after COVID-19 hospitalisation and may play a role in post-COVID-19 syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess diaphragm function during COVID-19 hospitalisation and during recovery. Methods: We conducted a prospective single-centre cohort study in 49 enrolled patients, of which 28 completed 1-year follow-up. Participants were evaluated for diaphragm function. Diaphragm function was assessed using ultrasound measuring of diaphragm thickening fraction (TF) within 24 h after admission, after 7 days of admission or at discharge, whichever came first, and 3 and 12 months after hospital admission. Results: Estimated mean TF increased from 0.56 (95% CI 0.46-0.66) on admission to 0.78 (95% CI 0.65-0.89) at discharge or 7 days after admission, to 1.05 (95% CI 0.83-1.26) 3 months after admission and to 1.54 (95% CI 1.31-1.76) 12 months after admission. The improvements from admission to discharge, 3 months and 12 months were all significant (linear mixed modelling; p=0.020, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), and the improvement from discharge to 3-month follow-up was borderline significant (p<0.1). Conclusion: Diaphragm function was impaired during hospitalisation for COVID-19. During recovery in hospital and up to 1-year follow-up, diaphragm TF improved, suggesting a long recovery time of the diaphragm. Diaphragm ultrasound may be a valuable modality in the screening and follow-up of (post-)COVID-19 patients for diaphragm dysfunction.

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided biopsies in the evaluation of thoracic tumours after PET-CT: a prospective diagnostic study.

BACKGROUND: Lesions detected by positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) during the analysis of thoracic tumours are often impalpable at physical examination, and subsequent ultrasound (US) may aid in finding these lesions for pathologic evaluation. OBJECTIVES: The success rate of percutaneous US-guided biopsies of palpable and non-palpable lesions and the impact on tumour stage were studied prospectively. METHODS: Lesions, significant for diagnosis and disease stage, with metabolic activity on PET-CT and presumed appropriate for percutaneous approach under US guidance were selected for cytologic aspiration or tissue core biopsies. RESULTS: In 127 patients, 134 lesions (subdivided into 24 local thoracic, 74 supraclavicular and 36 distant metastatic lesions) were biopsied percutaneously under US guidance. Malignancy, benign disease and inadequate biopsies were found in 80% (106/134), 14% (19/134) and 7% (9/134), respectively. In 55% (56/102) of patients, biopsies confirmed the disease stage. Fifty-one percent (18/35) of distant lesions and 54% (43/68) of supraclavicular lesions were impalpable on physical examination. CONCLUSIONS: US-guided biopsies in patients with suspected thoracic malignancy on PET-CT provide an excellent tool for obtaining a pathological diagnosis, leading to a definitive disease stage in over half of the patients.

The demographics, clinical characteristics and quality of life of patients with chronic cough from the Isala Cough Clinic in the Netherlands.

Introduction: Chronic cough affects ∼10% of the population and adversely impacts quality of life. This retrospective observational cohort study aimed to identify the demographics, clinical characteristics and quality of life of the chronic cough population in a Dutch chronic cough clinic, at baseline and following treatment at 6 months. Patients were categorised based on the underlying phenotype and response to treatment. Methods: Retrospective data on 2397 patients who were diagnosed according to standard guidelines of the American College of Chest Physicians were analysed. Quality of life was captured via the Leicester Cough Questionnaire, the Cough Numeric Rating Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: Mean patient age was 59 years; 62.5% of the patients were female; and 69.1% had at least one underlying phenotype associated with chronic cough. Of the latter, 52.1% had bronchial hyperresponsiveness/airflow limitation, 33.3% had airway reflux and 20.1% had upper airway cough syndrome. 46% of patients with a phenotype, and 51% without, experienced no improvement in their quality of life or still had significant cough remaining after 6 months. Of patients with available quality-of-life data, 37.5% were categorised as having refractory chronic cough, and 9.5% were categorised as unexplained chronic cough. Discussion: This study highlights the poor quality-of-life outcomes in patients with chronic cough, despite interventions to treat underlying conditions, and indicates a need to manage chronic cough irrespective of phenotype.

[Chronic cough in adults]. / Chronische hoest bij volwassenen.

Cough is a physiological defense mechanism. However, excessive cough is known to have a great impact on quality of life. Cough is considered to be chronic when it lasts longer than 8 weeks. In the Netherlands, the prevalence is 10.9%. The concept as a whole is called 'cough hypersensitivity' in which there is a hypersensitivity of the cough reflex to aspecific stimuli. Specific treatment of the phenotype is important. If no specific phenotype is found it is called 'unexplained chronic cough' (UCC) and if symptoms persist despite treatment it is called 'chronic refractory cough' (CRC). Neuromodulating drugs are the main treatment in CRC. However, a suitable condition often cannot be achieved because of severe side effect and great interindividual variability in pharmacokinetics. New drugs, P2X3-antagonists, are being developed. These drugs mediate in a late phase of the cough reflex and are thereby considered to have fewer side effects.

A Prospective Cohort Study on the Effects of Geriatric Rehabilitation Following Acute Exacerbations of COPD.

OBJECTIVES: Older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hospitalized for an acute exacerbation, often do not receive recommended post-acute pulmonary rehabilitation. This underuse might be related to the impaired clinical and functional status of these patients, who are more likely to present with frailty, comorbidities, and disability. Having developed and implemented a geriatric rehabilitation program for these patients (GR_COPD), the primary aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of this program. DESIGN AND INTERVENTION: A prospective cohort study with a 3-month follow-up period. Patients who declined the GR_COPD program were considered as controls. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The study was conducted at the pulmonary department of 2 hospitals. Patients were eligible when hospitalized as a result of an acute exacerbation of COPD and indicated for the GR_COPD program based on standardized criteria. METHODS: Primary outcome was defined as change in disease-specific health status measured with the clinical COPD questionnaire (CCQ), secondary outcome as the exacerbation rate ratio during follow-up. To balance potential confounders between the intervention and control group, propensity score-based weighted linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of the 158 included patients [78 (49.4%) male, mean age 70.8 (±8.1) years, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second: 35.5 (±12.8) as % of predicted], 78 received the GR_COPD program. The results of the CCQ showed a significant and clinically relevant treatment effect of -0.56 points [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.89, -0.23; P = .001). Patients in the control group had 2.77 times more exacerbations compared with the intervention group (95% CI 2.13, 3.58; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: This study shows a clinically relevant effect of the GR_COPD program on disease-specific health status and exacerbation rate. Implementation of the program for older patients with severe COPD hospitalized for an acute exacerbation is recommended.

Safety, feasibility and patient reported outcome measures of outpatient treatment of pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Despite growing evidence on safe and feasible outpatient treatment for acute pulmonary embolism (PE), the majority of patients is still treated in an inpatient setting. This is probably due to a lack of clear guidelines on this subject. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate safety and patient reported outcome measures (PROM) on outpatient treatment of acute PE. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study. 250 patients presenting with acute PE and Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) class I or II were enrolled. Safety of outpatient treatment was assessed by measuring all-cause mortality, recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and episodes of relevant bleeding, with a follow-up period of four weeks and six months. Additionally, PROM's on outpatient treatment were evaluated by repeatedly measuring VAS-scores for pain and dyspnea during the recovery, and by assessing the improvement in SF-36 scores between admission and after six months. RESULTS: We found an all-cause mortality rate of 0.4% (95% CI 0.07-2.23), rate of recurrent VTE of 0% (95% CI 0-1.51) and rate of relevant bleeding episodes of 6.4% (95% CI 3.98-10.14). VAS-scores improved significantly during the first 24-h after admission, and continued to improve significantly after five days of home treatment. SF-36 scores on 6 out of 8 domains improved significantly between admission and after six months. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that outpatient treatment is safe in selected low-risk patients based on their PESI score. Additionally, our data on patient reported outcome measures support the presumption of a good course of recovery during outpatient treatment.

Mandatory adherence to diagnostic protocol increases the yield of CTPA for pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if mandatory adherence to a diagnostic protocol increases the rate of computed tomography pulmonary angiographies (CTPAs) positive for pulmonary embolism (PE)-the so-called diagnostic yield. Further, we aim to identify factors associated with this diagnostic yield. METHODS: We included all patients with suspected PE requiring CTPA from 9 January 2014 t0 3 June 2014. The requesting physicians were forced to follow diagnostic workup for PE by calculating a Wells score and, if necessary, determining D-dimer level. The percentage of positive CTPA scans was calculated and compared with our previous cohort (Walen et al. Insights Imaging 2014;5(2):231-236). Odds ratios were calculated as a measure of association between dichotomous variables and CTPA findings. RESULTS: Of 250 scans, 74 were positive (29.6 % [95 % CI, 24.3-35.5 %]) and 175 were negative (70 %). The percentage positive scans increased with 6.6 % and the percentage negative scans decreased with 3.1 %. This change was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Independent clinical predictors of diagnostic yield were previous deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (OR, 3.22; p = 0.013) and clinical signs of DVT (OR, 2.71; p = 0.012). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was negatively associated with PE (OR, 0.33; p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that mandatory adherence to a diagnostic protocol increases the yield of CTPA for PE in our centre. MAIN MESSAGES: • Mandatory adherence to diagnostic protocol increases the yield of CTPA for PE • Previous DVT and signs of DVT were associated with a higher yield • No patients with a low Wells score and a low D-dimer had PE.

Diagnostic yield of CT thorax angiography in patients suspected of pulmonary embolism: independent predictors and protocol adherence.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the diagnostic yield of computed tomography scanning of the pulmonary arteries (CTPA) in our centre and factors associated with it. Differences between specialties as well as adherence to protocol were investigated. METHODS: All patients receiving a first CTPA for pulmonary embolism (PE) in 2010 were included. Data about relevant clinical information and the requesting specialty were retrospectively obtained. Differences in diagnostic yield were tested using a chi-squared test. Independent predictors were identified with multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: PE on CTPA was found in 224 of the 974 patients (23 %). Between specialties, diagnostic yield varied from 19.5 to 23.9 % (p = 0.20). Independent predictors of diagnostic yield were: age, sex, D-dimer, cough, dyspnea, cardiac history, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), atelectasis/consolidation, intrapulmonary mass and/or interstitial pulmonary disease on CT. Wells scores were poorly documented (n = 127, 13.0 %). Poor adherence to protocol was also shown by a high amount of unnecessary D-dimer values with a high Wells-score (35 of 58; 58.6 %). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic yield of CTPA in this study was relatively high in comparison with other studies (6.7-31 %). Better adherence to protocol might improve the diagnostic yield further. A prospective study could confirm the independent predictors found in this study. TEACHING POINTS: • Pulmonary embolism is potentially life-threatening and requires quick and reliable diagnosis. • Computed tomography of the pulmonary arteries (CTPA) provides this reliable diagnosis. • Several independent predictors of diagnostic yield of CTPA for pulmonary embolism were identified. • Diagnostic yield of CTPA did not differ between requesting specialties in our Hospital. • Better protocol adherence could improve the diagnostic yield of CTPA for pulmonary embolism.

Depression and heart failure associated with clinical COPD questionnaire outcome in primary care COPD patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is one of the main goals in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Impaired HRQoL in COPD is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, hospitalisations and burden on our health-care system. The Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ) is a validated, reliable, short questionnaire for the evaluation of disease-specific HRQoL in patients with COPD in primary care. AIMS: To investigate factors that might be associated with CCQ outcome in COPD in a primary care setting. METHODS: In a population of COPD patients in primary care, multiple regression analyses were used to assess associations between CCQ outcome and depression, heart failure, FEV1% predicted, FEV1/FVC, age, sex, body mass index and current smoking. RESULTS: Data from 341 patients (mean age 68.1±10.3, COPD GOLD class I-III) were used for analyses. Together, heart failure and depression explained 23% of the variance in CCQ total score (P<0.001, N=93). Heart failure was most strongly associated with CCQ functional score (27% explained variance, P<0.001, N=100), whereas depression was most strongly associated with CCQ mental score (22% explained variance, P<0.001, N=93). CONCLUSIONS: CCQ outcomes are higher in COPD patients with heart failure and depression. These findings might imply that heart failure and depression affect HRQoL of patients with COPD, and thus emphasise the importance of a holistic approach of this complex disease, leading to a correct diagnosis of COPD and its comorbidities, to achieve better tailored treatment of chronic patients.

Day-to-day measurement of patient-reported outcomes in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a major burden to patients and to society. Little is known about the possible role of day-to-day patient-reported outcomes during an exacerbation. This study aims to describe the day-to-day course of patient-reported health status during exacerbations of COPD and to assess its value in predicting clinical outcomes. METHODS: Data from two randomized controlled COPD exacerbation trials (n = 210 and n = 45 patients) were used to describe both the feasibility of daily collection of and the day-to-day course of patient-reported outcomes during outpatient treatment or admission to hospital. In addition to clinical parameters, the BORG dyspnea score, the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), and the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire were used in Cox regression models to predict treatment failure, time to next exacerbation, and mortality in the hospital study. RESULTS: All patient-reported outcomes showed a distinct pattern of improvement. In the multivariate models, absence of improvement in CCQ symptom score and impaired lung function were independent predictors of treatment failure. Health status and gender predicted time to next exacerbation. Five-year mortality was predicted by age, forced expiratory flow in one second % predicted, smoking status, and CCQ score. In outpatient management of exacerbations, health status was found to be less impaired than in hospitalized patients, while the rate and pattern of recovery was remarkably similar. CONCLUSION: Daily health status measurements were found to predict treatment failure, which could help decision-making for patients hospitalized due to an exacerbation of COPD.

A diagnostic program for patients suspected of having lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: A standardized diagnostic program, initiated to reduce the length of the diagnostic track and to improve application of diagnostic tools for patients referred with suspicious abnormalities on standard chest radiographs, was evaluated. METHODS: The findings on integrated positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) determined the choice of invasive investigations to be performed the same day. Diagnostic results, time courses, and number and sorts of applied invasive investigations were assessed. RESULTS: In 297 eligible patients, malignant disease was diagnosed in 72% and benign disease was diagnosed in 26% of patients. One percent of the patients had no abnormalities at all. For 85% of patients with malignancy, investigations were completed in 1 day, resulting in a diagnosis and definitive clinical disease stage. The median time from start of the analysis to informing the patient about diagnosis and tumor stage was 7 days. One invasive investigation was performed in 53% of patients in the study group, and at least 2 investigations were performed in 33% of patients. Bronchoscopies formed a part of the diagnostic process in 59% of patients. Surgical diagnostic procedures were performed in 8% of patients. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic program resulted in a short time to diagnosis, with finalization of invasive investigations in 1 day in the majority of patients. The imaging-based choice of invasive investigations precluded bronchoscopies in a substantial portion of the patients.

Mediastinal incidentalomas.

INTRODUCTION: Incidental mediastinal lymphadenopathy challenges pulmonologists to decide on eventual further diagnostic steps. The aim of this study was to characterize unexpected mediastinal findings by imaging and pathologic analysis. METHODS: Entry criterion for this prospective explorative study was mediastinal lymphadenopathy as an incidental finding on computed tomography (CT) scans made for indications other than the analysis and staging of neoplasms. Lymph node dimensions were measured on CT scan. Subsequent diagnostic investigations were positron emission tomography, endoscopic ultrasound- or endobronchial ultrasound-guided punctures, and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients from eight hospitals met the entry criteria. The median number of Naruke stations with enlarged nodes was 7 (range 3-9). The median size of all nodes measured varied between 6 and 14 mm. The median number of lymph node stations with nodes of at least 10 mm was 3 (range 0-8). Hilar node enlargement was detected in 77% of patients. No definitive diagnosis was obtained in 7 of 83 (8%) patients. Lymphocytes were found in 55 of 83 (66%) and sarcoidosis in 18 of 83 (22%) of aspirates. Positron emission tomography showed metabolic activity in 87% of patients. Follow-up CT scans were available for 36 of 62 (58%) patients without a classifying diagnosis. Two patients developed lung cancer 2 years after initial analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Incidental mediastinal lymph nodes on CT are characterized by multiplicity, relative small sizes, and coexistence with hilar lymphadenopathy in the majority of patients. These nodes often display increased metabolic activity. The low predictive value for malignancy justifies a restrictive attitude toward invasive diagnostic testing.

Reliability and validity of a Dutch version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Chronic cough is a common condition with a significant impact on quality of life. Currently, no health status measure specific for chronic cough exists in the Netherlands. Thus we developed a Dutch version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and tested its scaling and clinical properties. METHODS: The LCQ was adapted for Dutch conditions following a forward-backward translation procedure. All patients referred to our cough clinic between May 2004 and February 2005 completed five questionnaires, the LCQ, the modified Borg score for cough, the Short-Form 36 (SF-36), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Global Rating of Change (GRC) upon presentation, after two weeks and after 6 months. Concurrent validation, internal consistency, repeatability and responsiveness were determined. RESULTS: For the concurrent validation the correlation coefficients (n = 152 patients) between the LCQ and the other outcome measures varied between 0.22 and 0.61. The internal consistency of the LCQ (n = 58) was high for each of the domains with a Crohnbach's alpha coefficient between 0.77 and 0.91. The two week repeatability of the LCQ in patients with no change in cough (n = 48) was high with intraclass correlation coefficients varying between 0.86 and 0.93. Patients who reported an improvement in cough (n = 140) after 6 months demonstrated significant improvement on each of the domains of the LCQ. CONCLUSION: The Dutch version of the LCQ is a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure (changes of) health status in patients with chronic cough.