Blood biomarker can help predict disease progression in patients with COPD

(Elsevier) Some patients with COPD demonstrate signs of accelerated aging. In a new study published in the journal CHEST ® researchers report that measuring blood telomeres, a marker of aging of cells, can be used to predict future risk of the disease worsening or death. Further, they have determined that the drug azithromycin may help patients with short telomeres, an indicator of more rapid biological aging, stave off negative clinical outcomes.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news