Background: Accurate prognostic assessment in lung cancer is challenging, especially in settings with limited access to molecular testing. Routine hematological markers may complement TNM staging in identifying high-risk patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 304 patients with histologically confirmed lung cancer to evaluate the prognostic value of hematological and inflammatory markers in relation to tumor stage and ECOG performance status. Survival was estimated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and independent predictors were identified through Cox regression. Cluster analysis integrated hematological markers with tumor characteristics. Results: Most patients presented with advanced disease (61.2% T4; 57.1% metastatic). Early stages (≤IIC) were associated with nearly double the median overall survival compared with stages ≥IIIA (p = 0.001). Nodal involvement and metastases further stratified outcomes. Among hematological markers, anemia (Hb < 11.85 g/dL) and leukocytosis (WBC > 11.71 × 10⁹/L) predicted shorter survival and remained independent predictors in the multivariable Cox model (HR 1.70, p < 0.001; HR 1.54, p = 0.004), along with T4 stage (HR 1.47, p = 0.015). PLT count and fibrinogen were significant in univariate analysis but not after adjustment, while CRP and D-dimer showed no association. Cluster analysis identified two subgroups, with patients in Cluster 2 (T4 stage, anemia, leukocytosis) experiencing more than double the mortality risk compared with Cluster 1 (HR 2.33, p < 0.001). Conclusions: TNM stage remains the dominant prognostic factor in lung cancer. However, Hb and WBC count provide additional prognostic information, and cluster analysis may refine risk stratification by capturing clinically relevant heterogeneity.

Background/Objectives: This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the use of impulse oscillometry (IOS) in assessing pulmonary function in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). IOS, as an effort-independent method, may offer advantages over conventional spirometry in detecting early or subclinical respiratory impairment in neurologically compromised populations. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar for observational studies published up to March 2025. The included studies involved patients diagnosed with PD who underwent respiratory assessment using IOS, either alone or in combination with spirometry. Data on IOS parameters (R5, R20, X5, AX) and their associations with disease severity, spirometric values or autonomic markers were extracted and analyzed qualitatively. Results: Four studies, published between 2020 and 2023, met the inclusion criteria. IOS revealed increased airway resistance in early-stage PD and inverse correlations with spirometric indices such as FEV1 and PEF. One study demonstrated significant correlations between IOS parameters and parasympathetic heart rate variable indices, suggesting autonomic involvement. IOS also showed stability across dopaminergic treatment states, highlighting its reliability in longitudinal monitoring. Conclusions: IOS appears to be a promising adjunct to traditional respiratory assessment in PD, capable of identifying subtle mechanical and autonomic dysfunctions. Despite encouraging results, the current evidence remains limited and further large-scale, longitudinal studies are needed to validate its clinical utility.

Background/Objectives: Respiratory dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is frequently underrecognized, particularly when resting oxygen saturation is preserved. Dynamic stress testing, however, may reveal exercise-induced oxygen desaturation, reflecting a latent functional respiratory impairment. The relationship between exertional oxygen desaturation and cognitive performance in PD remains insufficiently explored. Objective: To investigate the association between exercise-induced oxygen desaturation and global cognitive performance in patients with PD, and to explore the contribution of pulmonary gas exchange impairment assessed by diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional, single-center observational study with consecutive enrollment included 50 patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease undergoing multidisciplinary respiratory evaluation following neurological assessment. Participants underwent cognitive evaluation using the Romanian version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), pulmonary function testing including DLCO and total lung capacity (TLC), and a supervised 6-min walk test (6MWT) with continuous pulse oximetry. Exercise-induced oxygen desaturation was defined as a decrease in SpO₂ of ≥4% from baseline. Correlation analyses and multivariable regression models were applied. Results: Exercise-induced oxygen desaturation was frequent, with 60% of patients exhibiting a ≥4% decrease in SpO₂ during the 6MWT. Greater desaturation was significantly associated with lower MoCA scores (Spearman’s r = −0.383, p = 0.006). No significant associations were found between exertional desaturation and resting pulmonary function parameters, including DLCO and TLC. In multivariable analysis, lower MoCA score and levodopa–carbidopa intestinal gel treatment independently predicted greater oxygen desaturation during exercise. Conclusions: Exercise-induced oxygen desaturation is common in patients with PD despite preserved resting oxygenation and is associated with poorer cognitive performance. These findings suggest that exertional desaturation may reflect a dynamic functional impairment and may be associated with increased physiological vulnerability. Functional exercise testing with oxygen saturation monitoring may provide complementary information beyond resting pulmonary assessments.

Background/Objectives: Respiratory dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a clinically relevant but frequently underrecognized manifestation associated with functional impairment and increased risk of respiratory complications. This study compared spirometry and impulse oscillometry (IOS) in the assessment of respiratory function in PD, with particular focus on the detection of subtle or peripheral airway abnormalities. Methods: A prospective, single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted, including 108 participants (55 patients with PD and 53 control subjects). Pulmonary function was evaluated using standardized spirometry and IOS protocols. Group comparisons were performed using non-parametric tests, while multivariable regression analyses adjusted for potential confounding factors, including age, body mass index, smoking status, pollutant exposure, and cardiovascular comorbidities. Results: IOS identified a higher frequency of abnormal categorical findings compared with spirometry, including among subjects with normal spirometric values. Although dyspnea was more frequent in patients with PD in unadjusted analyses, multivariable regression demonstrated that PD was not an independent predictor of respiratory dysfunction. Pollutant exposure was significantly associated with abnormal IOS findings (p = 0.011). No significant differences were observed between PD and control groups regarding continuous spirometric or oscillometric parameters. Only a weak association between disease severity and FEV1 (%) was identified, whereas no significant correlations were observed for oscillometric parameters. Conclusions: IOS may provide complementary information regarding subtle or peripheral respiratory abnormalities in patients with PD. The findings suggest that respiratory alterations in this population are likely multifactorial and not independently determined by PD itself. Incorporating oscillometric assessment into respiratory evaluation may contribute to the identification of subtle respiratory mechanical alterations in patients with PD.