Research finds that ICU patients who develop bloodstream infections have a significantly higher mortality rate than those who do not, highlighting the importance of preventing these infections. The study also suggests that interventions targeting less severely ill patients and at-risk individuals may be effective in reducing mortality ...
A recent workshop on SARS published in the American Thoracic Society's peer-reviewed journal emphasizes the need for antiviral drugs to prevent and treat SARS. The study also explores the association between obesity and asthma, finding a significant link in female children who become overweight during late adolescence and early adulthood.
A study published in the American Thoracic Society Journal found that montelukast significantly reduced asthma exacerbations and corticosteroid use in young children with intermittent symptoms. The medication delayed the time between exacerbations by approximately 2 months.
Researchers find that low-dose hydrocortisone infusion speeds up pneumonia resolution and prevents sepsis-related complications. Sildenafil protects against altitude-induced pulmonary problems, improves gas exchange, and limits hypoxemia. Patient segregation reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa transmission in cystic fibrosis patients
A study published in the American Thoracic Society Journal found that total maternal vitamin C intake was positively associated with wheeze in certain infants who did not have a cold during their second year of life. Additionally, U.S.-born Mexican Americans had a higher prevalence of asthma compared to Mexican-born individuals.
Researchers discovered impaired lung function test results and low exhaled nitric oxide levels in school-age BPD survivors, indicating distinct pathophysiologic pathways. Meanwhile, individuals with beryllium sensitization progressed to chronic beryllium disease at a rate of 6-8% per year.
A study of high-risk asthma patients shows that hospitalization can lead to a rapid decrease in prescribed medication use. Another study finds that inhaled corticosteroids may contribute to reduced bone density, particularly in individuals with COPD. Researchers also identify occupational exposure to insecticides and moldy environments...
Researchers found that bosentan treatment led to significant improvements in clinical and hemodynamic parameters of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. A simpler method to determine optimal CPAP pressure for treating obstructive sleep apnea was also developed, showing improved results with auto-adjusted devices. Molecular methods w...
Researchers found that thrice weekly versus daily drug therapy regimens were associated with a higher risk of disease relapse in tuberculosis patients. The study analyzed data from over 12,000 patients who completed treatment between 1998 and 2000.
A study found that melatonin improved sleep quality in women with mild to moderate asthma without affecting asthma symptoms. Another study revealed a high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing among commercial truck drivers, linked to increased accident risk and substance abuse. Critical care use was common among seriously ill patie...
A new study shows that a combination of fluticasone and salmeterol can achieve total control in asthma patients, improving symptoms and reducing corticosteroid doses. Testosterone therapy also increases lean body mass and leg muscle strength in COPD patients with low testosterone levels.
A study involving 15,555 participants found that current smokers, ex-smokers, and passive smokers are at a higher risk of habitual snoring. The frequency of snoring increases with the amount of tobacco smoked, with vitamin E showing a potential protective effect against asthma.
The American Thoracic Society has published a revised statement on diagnosing nonmalignant asbestos-related diseases, which includes chronic lung disease, pleural plaques, and airway obstruction. The updated guidance also discusses the diagnosis of asbestos-related pleural disease using chest X-rays.
A US study found a significant link between exposure to traffic pollutants and an increased risk of bronchitis or physician-diagnosed asthma in children. In contrast, directly observed therapy for tuberculosis patients showed a significantly higher cure rate compared to self-administered therapy.
Researchers found that combination antibiotic therapy significantly improved survival rates among critically ill patients with severe pneumonia, with a mortality rate of 23.4% compared to 55.3% for those on monotherapy. A new test combining symptom questions, body weight data, and oxygen concentration measures shows a 91% predictive ra...
Researchers found that a high-fiber diet from fruits and soy foods reduces the incidence of chronic respiratory symptoms, particularly cough with phlegm production. Additionally, brief exposure to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis can lead to infection, as detected by rapid molecular testing in hospital contacts.
Researchers found that lung transplant patients who develop community-acquired respiratory viral infections are at twice the risk of developing bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Additionally, a study identified unique tumor signatures that can predict lung cancer death within 12 months with an accuracy rate of 87%.
A new study found that almost 60% of children with asthma during the pre-pubertal period continue to experience wheezing episodes after the onset of puberty. Obesity at age 11 was also associated with a threefold increased risk for persistence of asthma, according to researchers analyzing data from a longitudinal birth cohort.
A six-year study found that early therapy for moderate to severe COPD exacerbations hastens recovery time, reduces hospitalization rates, and boosts health-related quality of life. British researchers' prospective study demonstrated the importance of timely treatment on COPD exacerbation outcomes.
Airborne viruses were detected in 32% of office building air filters, with higher carbon dioxide levels linked to increased exposure risk. Researchers also found that healthcare workers treating SARS patients were at high risk of developing the disease due to endotracheal intubation.
Children whose mothers ate oily fish were 71% less likely to develop asthma; the more fish eaten, the lower the risk. A family history of asthma remains a strong risk factor for childhood asthma.
A study found that pregnant women with asthma experience worsening symptoms and increased nighttime problems when carrying a female fetus. Treatment with inhaled steroids can help control symptoms and reduce risks to the mother and baby.
The new guidelines update the 1995 ATS COPD guidelines and provide the latest information on clinical treatment and diagnosis. The site also features practical patient information, including background on the disease, its symptoms, and medications.
Researchers found children who developed wheezing symptoms after age 3 had significant behavior problems before, compared to those who never wheezed. The study suggests a possible common factor, such as genetics or parental smoking, that accounts for both wheezing and behavior problems in children.
A new system, PEWS, measures vital signs to predict life-threatening events in children, identifying deteriorating conditions up to 4 hours prior. Experienced nurses can detect subtle changes, but less experienced ones rely on an objective tool for early intervention.
A study found that delayed transfers to intensive care units (ICUs) increase the risk of death for hospitalized patients. Patients who received timely ICU transfers had better outcomes, with 55% less likelihood of receiving major medical interventions in the first six hours.
Research reveals that air pollution has a debilitating effect on the lungs of obese children, with twice as strong associations compared to their normal-weight counterparts. The study found that increased inflammation due to obesity exacerbates the negative impact of air pollution on lung function.
A recent study of over 1 million Medicare beneficiaries found that older patients aged 90+ are significantly less likely to receive critical care in intensive care units (ICUs) compared to their peers aged 68-70. Treatment in an ICU appears to be just as effective for both ages, highlighting a possible disparity in care received by you...
A new study found that lung transplants significantly increase the survival rate of cystic fibrosis patients by almost 4.5 years. The study followed 247 patients with CF who were on the waiting list for lung transplantation and found that the risks associated with the surgery decreased over time.
A recent study suggests that surgery provides a favorable outcome for long-term multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients. The surgeons at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center have extensive experience in treating mycobacterial lung disease, making them uniquely qualified to assess individual patient risk/benefit balances.
A study found that furosemide inhalation alleviated severe breathlessness in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, researchers developed a new model for neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) using nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) therapy.
Research suggests that community-acquired pneumonia patients who are discharged from the hospital may face a higher risk of mortality in the subsequent 2-3 years if they have certain predictors, such as increasing age and cardiovascular disease. The study also found no excess mortality in younger patients without accompanying diseases.
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk of nonvertebral fractures from high-dose inhaled corticosteroid treatment. Researchers also found greater acetaminophen use linked to newly diagnosed asthma in women. Air pollution exposure worsens cystic fibrosis patients' pulmonary exacerbations.
A new study published in the American Thoracic Society's Journal found that preterm infants exposed to cigarette smoke in utero experience increased obstructive apneas and decreased respiratory arousal index. Additionally, researchers discovered that rhDNase treatment significantly reduces airway inflammation in cystic fibrosis patient...
A new study found that multiple Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains are present in patients with active TB, contradicting the long-held theory of a single strain. Additionally, researchers developed a method to isolate and quantify airborne TB aerosols from coughs, showing promise for studying the disease's transmission.
A study of influenza vaccination in children with asthma found no significant reduction in asthma exacerbations caused by the flu. In contrast, a separate study showed that maternal and personal smoking synergize to increase airflow limitation in offspring, increasing the risk of Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C, as well as selenium, were associated with lower asthma prevalence in US youth under age 17. In contrast, continuous positive airway pressure therapy improved systolic heart function and reduced symptoms in patients with congestive heart failure and sleep apnea.
A recent study found that CPAP treatment significantly improves insulin sensitivity in patients with OSAS, with less obese patients showing improvements after just 2 days of treatment. The researchers also identified a link between increased insulin resistance and the metabolic effects of OSAS.
Researchers found that infants with reduced interferon gamma production at age 3 months and lower soluble CD14 levels at birth are 4.5 times more likely to develop recurrent wheezing. Chronic cough is also linked to abnormal release of inflammatory mediators within the airway, according to a separate study.
Researchers found no significant effect of inhaled corticosteroid use on COPD mortality, hospitalizations, or exacerbations. An ultrasound-based screening strategy for critically ill patients with femoral catheters could add to quality-adjusted life expectancy and prevent pulmonary embolism.
A study of pregnant women with asthma found that a female fetus can reduce fetal growth if the mother isn't treated with inhaled glucocorticoids. Incomplete arousal processes were linked to SIDS deaths, and active smoking impaired corticosteroid treatment efficacy for asthmatic patients
A randomized study found that physostigmine reduces sleep-disordered breathing in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, particularly during REM sleep. The results suggest a possible new treatment for the condition.
An asthma intervention study showed a 60% reduction in total hospitalizations among patients with frequent asthma exacerbations. Researchers also found that initial use of three antibiotics followed by diagnostic testing led to better patient survival and reduced antibiotic use for ventilator-associated pneumonia. Additionally, prematu...
Cystic fibrosis patients with inhaled antibiotics show improved lung function and reduced bacterial growth. Effective antibiotic therapy is essential for managing CF lung disease.
Researchers found that children with mild asthma already show pathologic features of adult disease, including basement membrane thickening and airway eosinophilia. New AAT deficiency guidelines also aim to improve diagnosis and management by identifying specific risk factors for this hereditary disorder.
Research identifies critical role of innate immunity in lung transplant rejection, suggesting novel therapies may prevent acute rejection. Preschool children with asthma also exhibit abnormal pulmonary function, while patients with sleep apnea show periods of stable breathing.
Researchers developed a new composite score combining CT imaging and pulmonary function testing to assess treatment effects in young cystic fibrosis patients. A new test was also developed to predict increased mortality risk in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia patients with significant decline in pulmonary function.
Finnish investigators found that higher levels of physical activity were associated with a slower rate of decline in pulmonary function with aging. The study, which followed middle-age men over 25 years, suggests that regular exercise can delay the onset of age-related lung function decline.
Recent studies highlight the importance of addressing weight concerns without stigmatizing obese patients. The American Thoracic Society Journal reports on innovative approaches to weight loss treatment and sheds light on previously unexplored phenomena such as chimerism in human lung tissue after stem cell transplantation.
A large study of 100,544 ICU admissions found that septic shock mortality decreased from 62.1% in 1993 to 55.9% in 2000, but its frequency increased due to more multi-resistant bacterial strains. The use of vasopressor therapy and mechanical ventilation also increased during this period.