Longitudinal changes in airway hyperresponsiveness and COPD mortality.

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is associated with an increased mortality risk among men [1] and COPD patients [2]. However, this association is largely based on cross-sectional studies using a single measurement of AHR to predict mortality; inherently ignoring the longitudinal variability of AHR. AHR is variable regardless of disease or medication status, and is linked with changes in smoking habits, seasonal variations and exposure to pollutants [3–5]. Considering this, it remains unclear how changes in AHR affect mortality, specifically from causes such as COPD, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Footnotes This manuscript has recently been accepted for publication in the European Respiratory Journal . It is published here in its accepted form prior to copyediting and typesetting by our production team. After these production processes are complete and the authors have approved the resulting proofs, the article will move to the latest issue of the ERJ online. Please open or download the PDF to view this article. Conflict of interest: Mr. Teferra has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Dr. Vonk has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: Dr. Boezen has nothing to disclose.