The new American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treating patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). The guideline recommends using specific immune modulating and antifibrotic medications, such as mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, nintedanib, ...
The American Thoracic Society has partnered with five new health systems to identify barriers to vaccination and find ways to improve immunization rates. The initiative aims to increase COVID-19, flu, and pneumonia vaccine uptake among high-risk adults with respiratory diseases.
A new global definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been proposed by experts, expanding the criteria to include non-invasive ventilation and pulse oximetry. The updated definition aims to improve recognition of ARDS at an earlier stage, allowing for more effective interventions.
A study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that race-neutral lung function interpretation could lead to more equitable access to lung transplants for Black patients. The researchers analyzed data from over 8,900 patients and discovered that a race-specific approach resulted in lower Lung Allocation Scores (LAS) ...
Research suggests that pulse oximeters used in obstructive sleep apnea tests may underestimating the severity of OSA in Black patients. This is because people with darker skin tones tend to have lower oxygen levels during breathing pauses, which can lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.
Researchers found that COPD patients prescribed non-benzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonists (NBZRAs) like zolpidem did not have increased risk of hospitalizations or death compared to those prescribed other types of hypnotics. However, they had a greater risk of death and exacerbations when not prescribed hypnotic drugs
The American Thoracic Society International Conference Abstracts publication features selected abstracts on COPD treatment, including a study on improving depression through home-based pulmonary rehabilitation. The issue also highlights recent findings on sleep apnea severity, as well as research on health equity and access to care.
The ATS 2023 International Conference is highlighting recent advancements in COPD and asthma treatment through its Breaking News: Clinical Trial Results in Pulmonary Medicine session. Emerging biologics will be discussed alongside existing COPD treatment options.
The American Thoracic Society has issued a statement recommending the elimination of race and ethnicity in the interpretation of pulmonary function test (PFT) results. The new approach uses an average reference equation, which shows superiority over race-specific equations for assessing overall prognosis and impact of tobacco smoke exp...
The ATS 2023 International Conference Program is now available, offering dynamic scientific programming on pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine topics. Attendees can build their daily schedule using the program itinerary and access a series of presentations featuring innovators in the field.
The American Thoracic Society will host ATS 2023 in Washington, DC from May 21-24. The event will cover the latest developments in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. Register now to attend or access recorded sessions.
A new study found that up to 11% of hospitalized COVID patients have fibrotic patterning in their lungs after recovery, which can lead to breathing difficulties and decreased life expectancy. The study suggests that these patients require close follow-up care, including repeat radiological imaging and lung function testing.
Dr. George Alba has been named the inaugural American Thoracic Society/American Lung Association/American College of Chest Physicians- Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program Scholar. He will receive $420,000 over four years to support his research on pulmonary vascular thrombosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) has awarded $100,000 grants to 11 specialty societies to promote diagnostic excellence. The American Thoracic Society is one of the recipients, focusing on safety and equity at ICU discharge.
A study published at ATS 2022 found that imatinib reduced mortality rates by 28.9% and shortened ICU stays among critically ill COVID-19 patients. The drug also improved ventilation outcomes and reduced the need for supplemental oxygen.
A multicenter trial found that brensocatib did not reduce clinical deterioration or mortality in severe COVID-19 patients. However, a sub-study revealed an anti-inflammatory effect of DPP1 inhibition on neutrophil protease enzymes, which may be beneficial for treating bronchiectasis.
According to a study published at the ATS 2022 international conference, nearly half of patients with abnormal findings in lung cancer screening experienced delays in following up. The median delay time was 91 days, with current smokers having longer delays than former smokers.
Research published at ATS 2022 found that historically redlined neighborhoods in California have higher COVID-19 case and death rates, with incidence rates 3.34 times higher than non-redlined areas
The substudy of the ADVOCATE trial found avacopan reduced glucocorticoid use by 86% in ANCA-associated vasculitis patients with respiratory and ENT involvement, while also showing superiority in remission compared to prednisone.
A study found that significant racial disparities in emphysema prevalence occur predominantly among Black adults, even after adjusting for socioeconomic status and smoking. Traditional measures of lung health using race-specific norms may be under-recognizing impaired respiratory health in Black individuals.
Researchers discovered that e-cigarette vendors are adding synthetic cooling agents WS-3 and WS-23 to their products, which can cause organ toxicity. The study found that these agents were present in most popular e-cigarette brands, including Puffbar, and posed a risk to users, particularly when consumed regularly.
The Tuskegee experiment's 50th anniversary highlights the importance of conscience in researchers and the dangers of unethical study methods. Dr. Martin Tobin emphasizes that research regulations cannot substitute for a researcher's moral compass.
A new study has found higher levels of silica dust in the lung tissue of contemporary coal miners compared to previous generations, providing a rationale for the Mine Safety and Health Administration to develop a more protective occupational standard for silica. The study suggests that changing mining practices, which generated more si...
The ATS 2022 International Conference features extensive programming on the latest advances in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The conference will also provide access to on-demand recordings of sessions.
The American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society have updated their technical standard for pulmonary function tests to address interpretation uncertainty and health inequity concerns. The new guidelines emphasize the importance of considering an individual's medical history, symptoms, and social circumstances when applyin...
The ATS 2022 International Conference will take place in San Francisco from May 15-18, featuring a gathering of scientists and clinicians in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The conference will showcase accelerated research and clinical applications across lung diseases, including COVID-19.
Research found that pregnant women with sleep apnea are at a higher risk for developing hypertension and metabolic syndrome after delivery. A study of over 1,900 women found that those with persistent sleep apnea were three times more likely to develop hypertension and two times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome.
The American Thoracic Society recommends limiting long-term PM2.5 exposure to 8 µg/m³ and short-term exposure to 25 µg/m³, which could prevent an estimated 14,650 deaths and 33,000 additional illnesses. Implementing these standards could save thousands of lives by reducing morbidity and mortality from air pollution.
A multidisciplinary panel of experts developed guidelines for outpatient management of patients with post-prematurity respiratory disease (PPRD), regardless of prematurity or disease severity. The recommendations address diagnostic testing and clinical management, aiming to improve outcomes for premature infants born prematurely.
A new opinion piece argues that hospitals have an ethical duty to care for unvaccinated severe COVID-19 patients, even if it means delaying non-emergency procedures for vaccinated individuals. The author suggests a contingency care standard prioritizing emergency life-support regardless of vaccination status.
The American Thoracic Society has published a clinical practice guideline on the use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) to guide asthma treatment. The guideline recommends using FeNO in addition to usual care for patients with asthma whose treatment is being considered, suggesting this may be eligible for the measurement.
A new study found a 7.6% prevalence of COPD in US Hispanics/Latinos under 50, with asthma being the most important early COPD risk factor. Chronic sinusitis and smoking status also increase the risk of developing COPD before age 50.
Dr. Anthony Shum, MD, receives $80,000 from the ATS Research Program and chILD Foundation for his project on defining childhood ILD in COPA syndrome. The study aims to link the innate immune adapter molecule STING to disease.
Dr. Jessica Blackburn of Vanderbilt University has been awarded a $100,000 ATS/GSK Research Grant to investigate COPD epithelial remodeling and the role of YAP/TAZ activation in the disease. The grant will support her studies on COPD's cellular mechanisms.
The NAVIGATOR study showed that tezepelumab significantly reduced annualized asthma exacerbation rates across all eosinophil level subgroups, including a 70% reduction in EOS ?300. The therapy also prolonged the time to first exacerbation requiring hospitalization or ED visit.
Research presented at ATS 2021 International Conference found that seniors eligible for Medicaid have 60% more disabilities compared to those without Medicaid. Dual Medicare-Medicaid status is associated with a 30% increase in post-ICU disabilities after adjusting for variables such as age and education.
The VOYAGE study found that dupilumab reduced asthma exacerbations by 59.3% in children with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma. The treatment also improved lung function within two weeks, an effect sustained for up to 52 weeks.
A study found that two-fifths of Medicare beneficiaries with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have limited access to pulmonary rehabilitation services. The researchers identified significant disparities in access across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Research presented at the ATS 2021 International Conference found that cumulative tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy and childhood is associated with decreased lung function in children. Even small amounts of secondhand smoke exposure can have detrimental effects on children's lung function.
Research at ATS 2021 International Conference found a link between severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and increased COVID-19 risk. Patients who adhered to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for longer periods had lower infection rates, suggesting PAP has a direct physiological benefit.
US critical care nurses experienced higher levels of moral distress, burnout, anxiety, and depression during the pandemic. The study found that symptoms of moderate to severe depression and anxiety were reported by nearly half of respondents.
Research suggests that implementing ATS-recommended air quality standards could prevent tens of thousands of deaths, lung cancer cases, and illnesses. By meeting these standards, the US could avoid an estimated 14,650 deaths, 2,950 lung cancer cases, and 33,000 additional illnesses annually.
Research suggests that higher pulse rates among non-sleepy obstructive sleep apnea patients with coronary artery disease may be associated with increased risk of cardiac events. However, CPAP therapy has been shown to provide protection for these patients, particularly those with high pulse rate responses.
Research shows that removing 'race correction' from pulmonary function test results reveals a higher prevalence and severity of lung disease among Black patients. The study found an increase in the percentage of patients with any pulmonary defect from 59.5% to 81.7%, indicating a significant difference.
A weighted lottery system was implemented at 23 hospitals to increase equitable distribution of remdesivir during the 2020 COVID-19 surge. The system prioritized patients from disadvantaged neighborhoods and/or essential workers, allocating 61% of available medication to these groups.
Research presented at the ATS 2021 International Conference found that patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) living in poor neighborhoods experience poorer outcomes, including increased mortality and reduced odds of receiving a lung transplant. The study highlights the impact of environmental factors on disease progression.
Research identified specific genetic variants associated with COVID-19 risk, including the ABO gene and others like SLC6A20 and ERMP1. These variants can increase the chances of developing COVID-19, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in disease susceptibility.
Researchers found that individuals with asthma living in historically redlined neighborhoods have lower lung function than those in non-redlined areas. This association was independent of race and co-occurring diseases, suggesting that environmental factors play a significant role in worsening asthma outcomes in these communities.
A web-based survey found that e-cigarette users had a higher risk of asthma, wheezing, and shortness of breath compared to non-users. The study also showed that past 30-day e-cigarette use was associated with increased respiratory symptoms even after controlling for cigarette and cannabis use.
Research presented at ATS 2021 International Conference found that e-cigarette users have a higher odds of developing asthma and having asthma attacks. Current smokers also had an increased risk, with former smokers facing the highest odds.