The implementation of a 24-h ICU in-house staff intensivist coverage significantly improved mortality rates and reduced hospital length of stay by nearly half a day. This model also led to quicker decision-making and a positive trend in end-of-life care quality.
Research found that fainting associated with recent air travel is a key indicator for pulmonary embolism diagnosis. Patients who fainted and had recent air travel were more likely to have saddle emboli and abnormal ECG readings, indicating a higher risk of life-threatening complications.
The study found that trainee presence during EBUS procedures significantly increased procedure length and propofol dose used, with more complications also reported in the trainee group. Researchers analyzed 607 EBUS procedures and concluded that the absence of a trainee resulted in fewer complications.
Research reveals a significant increase in US pulmonary hypertension deaths and hospitalizations from 1999-2009, with higher rates observed among women and older adults. Death rates were also higher for blacks than whites, and hospitalization rates varied by region.
A simple 5-question patient-administered survey (COPD-PS) may lead to increased COPD diagnoses. The study found that screening tools in primary care could facilitate diagnosis of COPD in this population.
A study of 334 patients with confirmed pulmonary embolism found that difficulty breathing, chest pain, and cough were present in 72%, 38%, and 19% of cases, respectively. Cancer was the most common risk factor, present in 27% of patients.
Research by CDC reveals disparities in COPD mortality by state, poverty level, and urban vs. rural location, with poorest outcomes seen in rural and poor communities. Smoking prevalence, air quality, and access to healthcare are key contributing factors to these disparities.
Researchers found that Asian Americans, college graduates, and moderate drinkers (1-2 drinks/day) had a lower risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite powerful predictors of COPD including smoking, age, and respiratory history, these groups showed a moderately lower risk, suggesting new targets for therapy.
New research reveals that medical ICU noise levels often exceed recommended limits, potentially leading to worse patient outcomes. Sleep disruption in the MICU has been linked to increased risk of delirium and immune dysfunction.
Patients undergoing non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) resection who take statins may experience improved overall survival and reduced risk of recurrence. Statin use was associated with a significantly lower local recurrence rate compared to non-statin users.
A recent study found that 39% of high school students experienced excessive daytime sleepiness, despite most sleeping fewer than 7 hours per night. The researchers suggest a potential sleep disorder may be present in these students.
Researchers found that levels of IL-6 and IL-12 were higher among patients with sarcoidosis compared to controls. Mold/fungi levels in the home also showed a significant relation to β-glucan levels. The study supports the hypothesis that exposure to fungi increases the risk of sarcoidosis.
Researchers found that a 2.5-hour patient/therapist contact time significantly increased CPAP compliance rates among OSA patients after one month of therapy. A 75% CPAP compliance rate was observed in patients who received this extended support.
Patients with atrial fibrillation experienced more major and non-major clinically relevant GI bleeding when taking rivaroxaban than warfarin. Major and non-major, clinically relevant bleeding occurred more frequently with rivaroxaban use.
Children with sleep apnea who underwent tonsil and adenoid removal experienced improved asthma scores, while lung function remained unchanged. The study suggests a potential treatment option for managing asthma symptoms in children.
Research suggests obese patients may have an advantage over nonobese patients in certain health situations, such as septic shock and acute asthma exacerbation. Obese individuals experience lower mortality rates and fewer near-fatal exacerbations compared to nonobese patients.
A tele-ICU service in Georgia reduced hospital transfers and saved $240,000 by providing guideline-recommended treatments within 24 hours. Researchers also found that serum albumin levels can help differentiate between types of shock, improving outcomes.
A new study links obesity to increased airway hyperresponsiveness, indicating that obesity is a risk factor for asthma. Meanwhile, specialists' awareness of asthma guidelines does not necessarily lead to better adherence and implementation of management practices.
A study found Detroit has the highest lung cancer mortality rate in the US, while researchers identified conflicting diagnostic standards for COPD that may lead to overdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. Canadian patients with COPD exacerbations were more likely to delay medical attention compared to international counterparts.
Researchers found that left-handed individuals are more likely to have bilateral limb movements, a potential indicator of PLMD. Additionally, patients treated with CPAP experience significant weight gain due to reduced energy expenditure. Pregnant women carrying multiples are also at higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), while ...
Researchers have identified new lung health concerns, including the escalating use of bath salts as recreational drugs and their potential to cause significant agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations. Additionally, caffeinated alcoholic beverages have been linked to adverse effects in patients with chronic medical conditions.
Researchers report a significant spike in bath salt-related poisoning incidents, with over 1,700 cases since 2011. The substances' stimulant content can cause violent behavior, hallucinations, and paranoia, highlighting the need for federal regulation.
A recent study found that smoking a single cigarette can lead to a significant reduction in airway inflammation markers, emphasizing the negative impact of even one cigarette. Researchers developed a computer-aided model predicting smoking cessation success by treatment type, showing nicotine replacement therapy is most effective.
Research suggests that emotional distress during simulation education can impair medical students' learning, leading to increased cognitive load and decreased pass rates. Simulation training programs, such as ACLS resident simulation training, have also been found not to impact real patient outcomes.
A study of 100 patients with periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) found that left-handed individuals are significantly more likely to have bilateral limb movements, a key indicator of PLMD. This suggests a higher risk of sleep disorders in left-handed people compared to right-handed individuals.
Research studies report cases of near-lethal and lethal silicone use, with one study finding a patient's death and two others' hospitalization due to respiratory and nerve damage. Silicone embolism syndrome has been linked to as high as 33% fatality rate.
A study of young adults found that smoking a single cigarette increases airway tissue concentration of nitric oxide by 26%, while decreasing fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels by 15.6%. This reduction can significantly impair health in this age group.
The city of Detroit has been found to have one of the highest mortality rates in the US for non-small cell lung cancer, with significantly lower survival rates compared to other cities. The study, presented at CHEST 2011, suggests that differences in healthcare access and tumor stage may be contributing factors.
A study presented at CHEST 2011 found that sleeping less than 8 hours a night may be linked to weight gain in teens. Teen males who slept 7 hours or less on weekdays had an average BMI that was 3.8 percent higher than those who slept more than 7 hours.
A strong link between family history and COPD was found in a study of over 1,600 participants. Family history of COPD was identified as a significant risk factor for the disease, even when other factors such as smoking exposure were accounted for.
Extended therapy for blood clot prevention yields greater benefits in hip/knee surgery, reducing venous thromboembolism events by three times. High incidence of VTE found in lung transplant recipients, with pulmonary fibrosis as a significant risk factor.
Researchers found that increased ambient particulate matter levels are associated with increased ER visits for respiratory illness, while a new lung age formula more accurately calculates a smoker's 'lung age.' Pulmonary rehabilitation programs also showed higher abstinence rates among smokers with COPD.
Studies reveal an increasing number of ICU patients discharged home, while tele-ICUs reduce carbon footprint and costs. Excessive propofol use may lead to high omega-6 exposure, posing safety concerns. Abnormal sleep habits among ICU nurses may increase errors, but remote teleintensivist programs improve hospital mortality.
A new lung age formula more accurately calculates a smoker's 'lung age,' which researchers hope will help persuade patients to quit the habit. Pulmonary rehab programs also show promise in improving smoking cessation rates, with higher abstinence rates among participants.
Researchers found a significant link between osteoporosis and bronchiectasis, as well as a new formula to calculate 'lung age' in smokers that may help with quitting. Low muscle mass and high body fat are also associated with poor lung function in the elderly. Additionally, vitamin B12 deficiency may be linked to chronic cough.
Research at CHEST 2009 found that patients who have undergone a liver transplant are at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. Additionally, Asian Indians experience heart attacks at an earlier age than Caucasians, suggesting potential disparities in ...
Research at CHEST 2009 reveals that CPAP therapy may be associated with a slight weight gain in patients, while large tonsils in children may predict sleep apnea. Oral appliances offer an effective alternate treatment for military service members, and abnormal sleep habits among ICU nurses may increase errors
Researchers found helmet ventilation improves PaO2 in most ARF patients, low intubation rate and good tolerability. Admission to teaching hospitals increases mortality in ARF patients, study suggests factors needed to be explored.
A study found that statins can worsen symptoms in patients with diastolic heart failure, causing increased dyspnea, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance. However, statins still benefit patients with systolic heart failure. Researchers warn of individual patient variations in response to statin therapy.
Flocked swabs are found to be more effective than nasopharyngeal aspiration in detecting viruses, with a lower cost. Social media played a key role in disseminating news about the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak, with 2.3 million searches for 'H1N1 flu' and 13.4 million for 'swine flu'
Reducing daily steroid doses for children with status asthmaticus shows no effect on hospital stay length. High-dose inhaled albuterol is linked to metabolic acidosis risk. Tonsil size may predict obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in kids
Researchers present findings on zinc deficiency's role in allergic asthma, air pollution's significant health risk for patients with chronic lung diseases, and electrical stimulation as a potential bronchodilation treatment. Studies also explore the reduction of daily steroids in children with asthma and the association between high-do...
New research reveals that statin therapy significantly reduces the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with atherosclerosis. Patients on higher doses of statins had the lowest likelihood of developing VTE, suggesting a dose-related response.
A study of 20,843 WTC responders found that reported asthma episodes were 8% compared to 4% in the general US population. Lifetime prevalence of asthma among responders increased from 3% to 16% between 2005 and 2007.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found nearly 1 in 4 patients with OSA suffers from nighttime teeth grinding, especially in men and Caucasians. Untreated bruxism can lead to excessive tooth wear, jaw pain, and sleep disturbances.
Non-African-American patients experience restless legs syndrome (RLS) four times more often than African-Americans. Among Caucasians, nearly 2 out of 5 women have RLS, which is the highest incidence among all groups.
A new study found that golfers with obstructive sleep apnea who received nasal positive airway pressure (NPAP) treatment improved their daytime sleepiness scores and lowered their golf handicap by as much as three strokes. The study suggests that the possibility of improving one's golf game may be a significant motivator to improve NPA...
Researchers found that in-home photography can identify asthma triggers, while omega-3 fatty acid levels may affect sleep apnea severity. Seasonal asthma patterns show a peak in the fall, and in-hospital statin use is associated with lower mortality rates in patients with severe sepsis.
Researchers found that difficulty falling asleep was associated with a lower risk of hypertension in men who were not African-American. Omega-3 fatty acid levels may affect sleep apnea severity, while sedative-hypnotic medication could improve CPAP compliance. BMI may predict sleep apnea diagnosis in children.
Asthma health-care utilization peaks in the fall, with emergency department visits increasing by 2.4 to 5.6 times higher than in summer. Swimming is found to be an effective nonpharmacologic intervention for children with asthma, improving pulmonary function and severity of symptoms. Virgin coconut oil may also aid in treating pediatri...