Researchers tested bosentan for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and found no significant improvements. In contrast, two-day neuromuscular blocking agent therapy improved survival in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Oral iloprost showed promise in preventing lung cancer among former smokers.
A study published by Greek researchers found that electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) can prevent critical illness polyneuromyopathy (CIPNM), a common complication of ICU stay. EMS reduced the risk of CIPNM and improved muscle strength in patients, shortening weaning periods and ICU stays.
A recent study from Stanford University found that DFA testing for H1N1 influenza is unreliable in critically ill patients. The test was more accurate in non-critical cases, with a 26% positive rate in ICU patients compared to an 82% positive rate in non-ICU patients.
A study by the University of Washington found that Google Flu Trends is less accurate in estimating laboratory-confirmed influenza cases compared to CDC surveillance. The analysis revealed a 25% error margin during the 2003-04 flu season, with greatest deviations occurring during periods of high media attention or unexpected activity.
Researchers found that ICU-acquired infection rates do not correlate with death rates for at-risk patients, despite being used as a measure of quality in hospital report cards. Hospitals with high infection rates had similar survival rates to those with low infection rates, highlighting the limitations of using these rates as a metric.
Researchers found that genetic mutations affecting cilia function may predispose older individuals to pulmonary diseases. A simple nitric oxide testing can identify patients at risk of abnormal ciliary function.
Adult patients without health insurance admitted to ICUs in Pennsylvania hospitals face a 21 percent increased risk of death compared to similar patients with private insurance. Uninsured ICU patients were also less likely to receive certain critical care procedures, including placement of central venous catheters and tracheostomies.
Children requiring home mechanical ventilation often receive frequent chest x-rays, but research suggests these may not be necessary to change treatment plans. Researchers analyzed records of 28 patients and found that two-thirds of repeat x-rays did not prompt changes within 24 hours.
Research reveals that intermittent hypoxia associated with sleep apnea can cause distinct drops in insulin sensitivity in mice. This finding suggests that sleep apnea may increase the risk of developing metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may reduce muscle atrophy in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). NMES improved quadriceps and calf muscle mass, increasing the anabolism to catabolism ratio in muscle proteins.
Researchers used clinical-grade human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to treat ALI, restoring normal function of alveolar epithelial cells and reducing inflammatory cytokines. The study found that intravenous delivery of hMSCs was as effective as intrabronchial administration in repairing damaged lung tissue.
Researchers found that a novel internet-supported strategy with daily FENO measurements and supervision by an asthma nurse reduced cumulative 6-month dosing of oral corticosteroids in severe asthma patients. This approach improved asthma control without worsening quality of life.
Research suggests that COPD patients who engage in higher amounts of daily physical activity have better functional exercise tolerance. Increasing normal daily activities like walking or gardening may be more beneficial than formal exercise training. This approach aims to promote a more active lifestyle and improve long-term function.
A study found that pulmonary rehabilitation improves health status in COPD patients with varying levels of obesity, including those with extreme obesity. The research suggests that obese COPD patients may benefit from rehab despite lower exercise capacities.
Research suggests that consuming high-fat meals can lead to increased airway neutrophils and TLR4 mRNA gene expression, impairing the response to asthma medication Ventolin. High-fat intake may play a role in managing asthma by reducing inflammation and improving lung function.
Estrogen has been found to decrease airway constriction and increase bronchodilation in human airway smooth muscle cells, particularly when combined with beta-agonists. This suggests that estrogen may be beneficial for women with asthma, and further research is needed to explore its potential as a treatment option.
A study published by the American Thoracic Society found that long-term vitamin E supplementation may decrease the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by about 10% in both smokers and non-smokers. Vitamin E may protect lung tissue from damage caused by free radicals, according to researchers.
A study by the University of Duisburg-Essen found that people living in polluted urban areas experience higher blood pressure due to exposure to fine and coarse particulate matter. This association remains even after accounting for other factors such as age, gender, smoking, and weight.
A study found that statin therapy can lower the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Statins are believed to decrease VTE risk by reducing inflammation.
A study found that children with severe asthma have a significantly higher risk of developing COPD as adults. Children with mild asthma were not at increased risk. The study suggests early treatment and surveillance for children with severe asthma may prevent long-term complications.
A recent study published at the ATS 2010 International Conference found that HIV-infected patients who are falsely diagnosed with tuberculosis have higher mortality rates compared to those who receive correct diagnoses. The study evaluated 600 HIV-infected patients treated at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, and discovered that fals...
Researchers found MP-376 reduced P. aeruginosa density and improved lung function in CF patients, with the highest dose showing the most significant effect. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed a 79% reduction in need for other antimicrobials.
Researchers developed a new technique using patterns in immune response to differentiate between active and latent tuberculosis. The test identified specific cytokine patterns that allowed for quick diagnosis, potentially reducing early exposure to the disease.
The American Thoracic Society has published a joint statement on renal failure in ICU patients, highlighting the need for better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. The statement emphasizes the importance of fluid management, biomarkers, and evidence-based practices to reduce mortality and morbidity.
A systematic review of the literature found that uninsured patients are less likely to receive critical care services and face worse clinical outcomes. Uninsured patients were also more likely to experience discharge delays and have life support withdrawn.
Research finds that ozone and primary pollutants from traffic increase pediatric emergency department visits for asthma exacerbations. Low ozone concentrations as low as 30 ppb also show a dose-response relationship with increased hospitalizations.
Research found that extremely preterm infants have abnormal lung function and are twice as likely to have asthma. Lung function impairment persists into middle childhood, especially those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Early monitoring and treatment can minimize long-term respiratory problems.
The American Thoracic Society (ATS) has endorsed pay-for-performance (P4P) programs in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. The organization aims to improve patient outcomes by linking reimbursement to quality of care.
A new technique has been developed to reduce tobacco smoke damage to lungs in mice by blocking the GM-CSF protein. This research holds promise for identifying more effective therapies for cigarette smoke-induced lung damage.
Research found that high stress levels in mothers are associated with differences in immune function markers in cord blood, which may increase the risk of asthma and allergy in offspring. The study suggests a link between prenatal stress and the development of asthma later in life.
A new TB booster vaccine has been shown to improve resistance to tuberculosis in previously vaccinated adults, according to a study published by the American Thoracic Society.
The American Thoracic Society has released new guidelines for CCHS, citing crucial discoveries linking the condition to mutations in the PHOX2B gene. Affected individuals require fastidious medical supervision to attain optimal quality of life, and early identification and intervention are critical.
Researchers found that high-resolution CT-scans are the most cost-effective strategy to screen for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) in non-smoking women between 25-54 with collapsed lung. Screening can identify LAM earlier, improving quality of life and allowing for early treatment and clinical trial enrollment.
A new vaccine has been proven safe and effective in treating mesothelioma, a rare cancer associated with asbestos exposure. The vaccine uses the patient's own dendritic cells to induce a T-cell response against mesothelioma tumors.
A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that prednisolone therapy does not provide clinical benefits for patients with mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia. Instead, it may lead to a higher rate of late failures and recurrence of symptoms after withdrawal.
The ATS and ERS have issued guidelines for quantitatively assessing lung structure using advanced imaging techniques. These guidelines promote the accuracy and comparability of studies, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration.
A new study has identified a specific gene product that may be responsible for the proliferation of adenotonsillar tissue in children with OSA. The study suggests that blocking the phosphatase protein PSPH could be a potential therapeutic target for reversing adenotonsillar enlargement and treating pediatric OSA.
A study conducted by the University of Chicago found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) significantly worsens glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. OSA severity is associated with poorer glycemic control and increased HbA1c levels, which can negate the effects of anti-diabetic medications.
Brazilian researchers have identified three distinct lung damage patterns and found that underlying medical conditions significantly contribute to fatal outcomes. The study highlights the importance of monitoring patients with pre-existing conditions, as they are at a higher risk of developing severe H1N1 infections.
Research found that long-term exposure to traffic pollution independently increased the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia among older individuals. Long-term exposures to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) were each associated with a more than doubled risk of hospitalization from pneumonia.
Asthmatic smokers may be able to reverse damage to their lungs by quitting cigarettes. The research found that cigarette smoke increases the thickness of lung lining and negatively affects nitric oxide levels, leading to more severe symptoms.
Researchers have discovered a urine test technique that can determine whether a child has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or habitual snoring. The study found that certain proteins are differently expressed in children with OSA compared to those with habitual snoring or healthy non-snoring children.
A new study found that air pollution increases the risk of bronchiolitis in infants, with higher exposure levels associated with a significant increase in risk. The research analyzed data from nearly 12,000 infant diagnoses and found that traffic-derived air pollutants were linked to an increased risk of bronchiolitis.
The American Thoracic Society has issued a statement outlining its positions on research, training, education, patient care, and advocacy. The ATS aims to prioritize altruistic concerns for patients, improve outcome measurement, and advocate for universal access to quality care.
Researchers found that non-adherence to inhaled corticosteroid therapy is a significant issue in difficult-to-treat asthma patients. Women and those with lower quality of life scores were more likely to be non-adherent. Developing better objective tests for non-adherence is crucial, according to Dr. Liam Heaney.
A new study from Columbia University found that US patients are almost five times more likely to spend their last hospital days in the ICU than patients in England. The research also revealed that ICU usage among terminal patients is eight times higher in the US than in England, particularly among those over 85.
Excess weight increases severity of oxygen desaturation in individuals with sleep-disordered breathing during and after apneas and hypopneas. BMI predicts degree of oxygen depletion associated with SDB events.
Researchers found that adding budesonide to tiotropium resulted in a 62% reduction in severe exacerbations and significant improvements in lung function, signs and symptoms, and quality of life. Triple therapy also improved morning activities and reduced hospitalizations.
A new ELISpot test can rapidly identify active tuberculosis in smear-negative patients, distinguishing it from latent TB infection. The test's accuracy is confirmed with a high positive rate of 91.5% in patients with active TB.
A recent study found that using a vented stove instead of traditional indoor open fires significantly improves respiratory health in Mexican women. The study showed that women who used the Patsari stove had improved lung function and reduced symptoms compared to those who used open wood fires.