Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Note to people with scarred and stiffened lungs: Monitor your sleep before severe fatigue sets in
Slashdot It! Slashdot Note to people with scarred and stiffened lungs: Monitor your sleep before severe fatigue sets in
Submit to Reddit Submit Note to people with scarred and stiffened lungs: Monitor your sleep before severe fatigue sets in to Reddit
Reading: Note to people with scarred and stiffened lungs: Monitor your sleep before severe fatigue sets inTwitter This Reading: Note to people with scarred and stiffened lungs: Monitor your sleep before severe fatigue sets inTwitter Note to people with scarred and stiffened lungs: Monitor your sleep before severe fatigue sets in
Add to Facebook Add Note to people with scarred and stiffened lungs: Monitor your sleep before severe fatigue sets in to Facebook

Note to people with scarred and stiffened lungs: Monitor your sleep before severe fatigue sets in

July 30, 2008

Mother's legacy shows impact of severe fatigue, $2M in research funding to help study disease

Family, friends and neighbors remember Lisa Sandler Spaeth as an active mother of two in Potomac, Md., with a lot on the go, juggling her son's baseball games and her daughter's horseback-riding lessons with numerous committee obligations, organizing women's activities at her local synagogue. Add to this Spaeth's thriving home business turned wholesale supplier - making custom hair accessories for children - which she founded with her mother.




But Spaeth was also diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a hard-to-treat disease that progressively damages the lungs and starves the body of oxygen. For two years after her diagnosis, until her death in May 2007, at age 44, Spaeth was beset by fatigue. Her energy levels sank as her lungs deteriorated. Breathing became difficult, and she could no longer attend many of the sporting events, trade fairs and women's groups that filled her life.

It is with people like Spaeth in mind that researchers at Johns Hopkins and elsewhere have found what is likely to be the first evidence linking the extreme fatigue in the lung-scarring disease, which has no known cause, to the poor quality of sleep that results - as much as a 25 percent loss in body-rejuvenating R.E.M. sleep. And they have also gauged the detrimental effects this has on people's daily lives, nearly halving test scores used to assess physical and mental quality of life.

In a report appearing this month in the journal Chest, senior study investigator and pulmonologist Sonye Danoff, M.D., Ph.D., who treated Spaeth, found more than twice the amount of nighttime sleep disturbances and double the number of daytime episodes of drowsiness among 41 men and women with so-called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis than in people with healthy lungs.

"Physicians should strongly consider monitoring people with this scarring lung disease for sleep disorders as part of their standard care, because poor sleep has a profound effect on their quality of life," says Danoff, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

The latest study results back up previous research by Danoff and other sleep experts at Johns Hopkins, which showed that 18 of 22 people with fibrosed lungs had problems breathing while asleep. The majority of them dropped out of R.E.M. sleep during the night, losing 25 percent of total R.E.M. sleep time.

It is during the R.E.M. period that rapid eye movements occur (hence the name), that people dream and that the body recovers from the previous day and builds up energy for the next.

Pulmonary fibrosis makes people highly vulnerable to sleep problems, Danoff says, because they often breathe twice as fast to supply the body with oxygen. And just as breathing and other body functions naturally slow down at the onset of R.E.M. sleep, these people who depend on a higher rate of breathing are constantly being pushed to wake up from a lack of oxygen.

"Essentially," she adds, "the body's internal alarms go off as people enter the most rejuvenating part of sleep. And when people don't get a good night's sleep, they cannot function normally the next day. It's a slippery slope that gets progressively worse over time."

Also in this latest Johns Hopkins study are survey results assessing quality of life and quality of sleep, which showed that people with stiffened lungs and sleep problems have 40 percent lower scores in physical activities compared to the general U.S. population. Rated activities included basic tasks, such as going to the mailbox and walking to the car. Mental and social activities, such as carrying on a conversation with a store clerk or telephoning friends and family, were reduced 48 percent.

Sleep quality was assessed on a scale comprising 36 different sleep measurements, such as the length of time it took to fall asleep and overall time spent sleeping.

Moreover, the team's analysis showed that sleep problems could not be predicted by other demographic factors, such as age, gender, race or weight. Nor were they linked, researchers say, with other lung function and more noticeable disease symptoms, including shortness of breath and cough.

"Because there is so much about pulmonary fibrosis that we cannot yet fix, we need to focus on what we can fix while we wait for research to catch up with treatments that can prevent or reverse the disease," says Danoff.

Current treatments for pulmonary fibrosis are limited to steroids and other immune-system-lowering drugs that help slow down lung tissue deterioration as the thin walls of the air sacs stiffen and lose capacity to freely expand and contract.

More than 200,000 Americans suffer from pulmonary fibrosis, whose cause remains unknown. And the lung disease kills nearly 40,000 each year.

"If we had been able to treat Lisa Spaeth's fatigue from poor quality sleep, then she might have had more time to lead her life as fully as she had been prior to getting sick," says Danoff.

Despite Spaeth's death, her zest for life carries on. Her mother, Froma Sandler, maintains the business. And through the encouragement of family and friends, more than a thousand people have donated to medical research in Spaeth's honor. The largest-ever contributions arrived in May, just prior to the first anniversary of Spaeth's death, when the Maryland-based Robert M. Fisher Memorial Foundation pledged $2 million to Johns Hopkins to help fund Danoff's future studies into pulmonary disease.

"This research funding will lay the groundwork for a more consolidated and comprehensive look at the many factors that may improve and extend the lives of patients with pulmonary fibrosis: from rehabilitation of the lungs to the development and testing of new medications to offset losses in quality of life from fatigue," says Danoff.

Danoff plans to use some of the funding to support studies that monitor patients with pulmonary fibrosis for problems in sleep patterns, especially in deep-sleep R.E.M. patterns, to target for treatment.

Another phase of research, she says, involves testing new devices to support breathing during sleep and to see if these devices improve quality sleep time and abate fatigue.

Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions





Science News and Science Current Events Tag Cloud
This tag cloud is a visual representation of term frequencies of random science news topics with common terms grouped together and emphasized by their display size.
Large Hadron Collider   Palliative Care   Extrasolar Planets   Insulin Resistance   New Species   HIV transmission   Fatigue   Proteomics   Milk   Vitamin   Gene Regulation   Sleep Disorders   Heterochromatin   Bone Formation   Nanocrystals   Eating Disorder   Gravitational Wave   Incontinence   Iron Deficiency   Second-hand Smoke   Pheromones   Blood Clots   Staph Infection   Hydrogen   Mobile Phone  
Related Pulmonary Fibrosis Current Events and Pulmonary Fibrosis News Articles Pulmonary Fibrosis Current Events and Pulmonary Fibrosis News RSS Pulmonary Fibrosis Current Events and Pulmonary Fibrosis News RSS
Protein may be strongest indicator of rare lung disease, study shows
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) have discovered a protein in the lungs that can help in determining progression of the rare lung disease Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

Large clinical trial finds pirfenidone may help lung function in IPF patients
A large, well-controlled, multi-national clinical trial program has demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of what may become the first FDA-approved medicine for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF.

UT Southwestern researchers identify gene linked to inherited form of fatal lung disease
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have determined that a mutation in a gene known for its role in defending the lungs against invading pathogens is responsible for some inherited cases of a lethal lung disease affecting older adults. The same mutation may also be associated with lung cancer, the researchers said.

Double threat: Deadly lung disease also linked to heart attacks
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are three times as likely to experience severe coronary events-including heart attacks-than people without the disease.

Biomarkers identified for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
The first evidence of a distinctive protein signature that could help to transform the diagnosis and improve the monitoring of the devastating lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is being reported by University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers in this month's edition of PLoS Medicine, an open-access journal of the Public Library of Science.

UCSF marks a milestone with 500th transplant in heart and lung program
UCSF marked a milestone this week with the 500th procedure in its Thoracic Transplant Program, which specializes in transplantation of the heart and lung.

Rare Lung Disease Cells Indicate Higher Death Risk
Large numbers of certain cells in the lungs of patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may increase their chance of death, UC researchers have discovered.

Smoking belies milder disease but worse prognosis for IPF patients
Smokers and ex-smokers with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), an untreatable progressive lung disease that usually leads to death within a few years of diagnosis, have a worse prognosis than non-smokers, according to research from London.

Researchers show that fibrosis can be stopped, cured and reversed
University of California, San Diego researchers have proven in animal studies that fibrosis in the liver can be not only stopped, but reversed.

Translational research patented first experimental treatment against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a disease with unknown cause with a very severe prognosis; when detected, it is already in an advanced stage.
More Pulmonary Fibrosis Current Events and Pulmonary Fibrosis News Articles
The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
by James N. Parker (Author)

This book has been created for patients who have decided to make education and research an integral part of the treatment process. Although it also gives information useful to doctors, caregivers and other health professionals, it tells patients where and how to look for information covering virtually all topics related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (also alveolocapillary block; cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis; diffuse fibrosing alveolitis; fibrosing alveolitis; Hamman-Rich syndrome; idiopathic diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis), from the essentials to the most advanced areas of research. The title of this book includes the word official. This reflects the fact that the sourcebook draws from public, academic, government, and peer-reviewed research. Selected readings from various...

Understanding Lung Disease: Pulmonary Fibrosis

Understanding Lung Disease: Pulmonary Fibrosis

Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Pulmonary Fibrosis is a set of diseases that cause progressive scarring inside the lungs. Over time the lungs are slowly replaced with scar tissue, which causes airways to restrict airflow, making it difficult to breath and to get enough oxygen. Doctors, patients and researchers are hoping clinical trials will lead to a drug that prevents lung function from worsening ultimately allowing patients to live longer.

This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
by Taylor & Francis

A discussion of the epidemiology, clinical features, and differential diagnoses of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Key topics include the role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, and current treatment options, including medical therapy and lung transplantation.



Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad

Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad
by MyHeritageWear.com

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Pulmonary Fibrosis Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness!

Thorwald / Pulmonary Fibrosis [Explicit]

Thorwald / Pulmonary Fibrosis [Explicit]
by Metalhit.com



Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Medical Guide

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Medical Guide
by Qontro Medical Guides (Author)

The Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Medical Guide is a publication which has been designed to better help readers understand Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. This Qontro Medical Guide has been designed with the reader in mind, and is a useful information source for readers at all levels looking to learn more about Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. The Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Medical Guide is highly recommended for those interested in understanding and learning more about Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Neumactil - The Way Out from a Life with Asthma! Neumactil - for Lung Disorders

Neumactil - The Way Out from a Life with Asthma! Neumactil - for Lung Disorders
by Distributed by medACTIL, Ltda.

Neumactil is the LEADING EDGE in the treatment of lung disorders, such as asthma, bronchitis , and even COPD. Neumactil can be used to stop an asthma attack and to prevent episodes from recurring ... without side effects. In a trial of 30 children and young adults, all 30 were able to assume normal activity within 3 months of daily use and had dramatically improved conditions during this period. Regarding other lung disorders, indications are that Neumactil may be effective by stimulating the body to restore tissue with hyperplasia and mataplasia of mucus secreting cells and other tissue which is restorable. Daily use will assist with shortness of breath and mucosal immunity. Also effective for coughs, even smokers cough. Neumactil is very easy to use and safe for daily use. Note:...

Advances in Pulmonary Fibrosis

Advances in Pulmonary Fibrosis
by John Simpson (Author), Ann Millar (Author)

Recent years have seen renewed interest in diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLDs), which were formerly referred to as interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). This is reflected in the publication of many important and groundbreaking papers in this field. Knowledge, and easy access to it, is the key to understanding pulmonary fibrosis. Providing reviews of the published medical literature of the past year, Advances in Pulmonary Fibrosis summarizes some of the most important new developments in the field. The book has been carefully designed so that key messages can be extracted by reading only the Background and Interpretations sections of each chapter. Providing more detailed information, the Comment sections generally start with an outline of the methods used, followed by a more detailed...

Chronic Respiratory Disorders (118) CD-ROM

Chronic Respiratory Disorders (118) CD-ROM
by Concept Media, a division of Jobson Medical Information LLC

5 CD series including these programs: [118.1] Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; [118.2] Cystic Fibrosis;

The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator

The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator
by Springer

The CFTR chloride channel is one of the most well studied transport proteins in biology. Yet there remain many mysteries about the functional properties and biological roles of this ABC transporter. This book addresses a select series of 'hot' topics that relate to the function of CFTR, and the links between CFTR dysfunction and human disease (i.e., cystic fibrosis). The timeliness of these topics distinguishes this collection from previous volumes of this type. Given the general interest in CFTR, this collection will appeal to a broad readership with interests in CFTR, cystic fibrosis, ion channels and ABC transporters.

© 2009 BrightSurf.com