A randomized controlled trial found that additional palliative care support did not reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, or PTSD in family caregivers. Instead, effective communication by ICU physicians was associated with high family satisfaction and quality of care.
A study found that a better nurse work environment can increase VAP risk, while a closed physician staffing model is not significantly associated with lower VAP risk. The interaction between the two factors reveals a complex relationship where better work environments may minimize VAP in open ICUs but increase it in closed ICUs.
A new study found that monthly resident handoffs are associated with increased in-hospital, 30-day, and 90-day mortality rates. Researchers analyzed data from 230,701 internal medicine patient discharges and found a significant increase in mortality following end-of-month resident handoff.
A new study found that exacerbations in COPD patients are associated with excess loss of lung function, particularly in those with mild disease. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,800 patients and found that each exacerbation was linked to a decline in FEV1, the amount of air a person can forcefully blow out of their lungs.
A new skin test called C-Tb has shown high specificity and concordance with interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs), making it a potential alternative for detecting latent TB infection. The test is easy to administer, produces fewer false positives, and may be significantly less expensive than IGRAs, addressing the limitations of curre...
A landmark survey by the ATS and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. reveals that seven in ten pulmonologists believe hand-held small volume nebulizers are more effective than metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) for managing acute exacerbations of COPD, particularly in severe cases. The survey also highlights gaps in physicians' knowledge about tre...
Researchers found that participants with the top quartile of baseline fitness experienced the least annual decline in pulmonary function. Sustained or improved fitness was also associated with the least decline in lung function over 20 years, regardless of obesity and smoking status.
A multicenter prospective study found that untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased aggressiveness of malignant cutaneous melanoma. The study involved 412 patients and showed a relationship between sleep apnea and poor prognosis markers for melanoma.
A randomized study found that motivational interviewing-based health coaching reduced COPD-related readmission rates by 7.5% in the first month and 11% at 3 months post-discharge, leading to improved disease-specific quality of life.
Researchers found that patients with ARDS were more likely to have ILA, and those with ILA on CT imaging prior to ARDS development had a greater risk of in-hospital mortality. This suggests ILA may be a risk factor for ARDS.
Researchers discovered that NETs are strongly correlated with airway infection and disease severity in COPD patients, suggesting a potential biomarker for identifying those at risk of progression. This finding may lead to the development of new treatments targeting NET formation.
A new study has found that home-based pulmonary rehabilitation can be equally effective in improving fitness and quality of life for COPD patients as traditional center-based programs. The low-cost program resulted in comparable outcomes to the hospital-based program, with no significant differences in clinical outcomes at any time point.
Nearly half of patients with severe asthma had very poorly controlled symptoms over a decade, associated with comorbidities and poorer lung function. Persistent VPC asthma was linked to higher disease burden, compromised lung function, and lower medication adherence.
Researchers found that high-volume lung transplant centers had lower transplantation costs and fewer early hospital readmissions. The average cost of lung transplantation was $135,622, with recipients at low-volume centers being 14% more likely to experience early readmissions.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that exposure to even low levels of air pollution affects children's lung function. Children living near major highways showed significant reductions in lung function, with those exposed to higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) a...
A study of young, light-use waterpipe smokers found marked changes in airway cells and increased particles shed by endothelial cells. These biological changes indicate early lung damage, highlighting the need for large epidemiologic studies to assess the harmful effects of waterpipe smoking.
A new study finds that an education strategy called teach-to-goal can effectively educate patients on using their rescue inhalers properly. The researchers found that this approach improved patient mastery of inhaler technique and reduced the need for hospitalization.
A randomized controlled trial found that CPAP did not significantly improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers suggest that OSA may play a bigger role in the development of diabetes than its control, and that adherence to CPAP treatment may be a challenge.
Research suggests CPAP improves insulin sensitivity and decreases inflammatory proteins, lowering HbA1c levels and cardiovascular disease risk. Patients with OSA and type 2 diabetes who used CPAP showed significant improvements in glycemic control, inflammation and cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers found nearly half of IPF-related websites recommended medications with no proven benefit, while more than a third suggested harmful treatments. The top two accurate sources were Wikipedia and Medscape.
A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that the most commonly used TB test failed to accurately diagnose tuberculosis in up to 50% of pregnant women who are HIV+. The researchers developed a new method to identify which women carrying latent TB infection are most likely to develop ...
The Syrian-American Medical Society has helped over two million people with $25-million in aid, providing 24/7 telemedicine consulting and training on portable ultrasound. The healthcare situation in Syria is grim, with 75,000 civilians dying from war injuries and life expectancy plummeting by 20 years.
Adults with long-term ozone exposure face a higher risk of dying from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The study found that every additional 10 parts per billion in long-term ozone exposure increases the risk of death by 12% from lung disease, 3% from cardiovascular disease, and 2% from all causes.
A study found that one in ten ICU patients develops PTSD within a year of discharge, with pre-existing conditions being strong risk factors. The study also suggests that proactively organized psychological aftercare for ICU survivors is needed to address this growing issue.
A new study found that long-term ozone exposure increases the risk of ARDS in critically ill patients, with a significant association seen among trauma patients and current smokers. The study analyzed data from 1558 patients and found that higher ozone exposure was linked to increased rates of ARDS.
A recent study found no link between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk or severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in elderly men. The study suggests that taking additional vitamin D supplements is unlikely to prevent or improve OSA.
Older men with central sleep apnea are at greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a recent study. The research suggests that addressing central sleep-disordered breathing may help prevent AF in this population.
Researchers in Taiwan have identified a biomarker called Huntingtin interaction protein-1 (HIP1) that detects the most common type of lung cancer in its earliest stage. HIP1 expression was found to be associated with longer survival rates and reduced metastasis, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker.
A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that critically ill patients experience significant bone loss, increasing their risk of fragility fractures. The researchers suggest that anti-resorptive therapies may be necessary to prevent bone loss in these patients.
A randomized controlled trial found that vitamin D supplementation did not reduce the number or severity of colds in adults with mild-to-moderate asthma. Achieving normal levels of vitamin D made no difference in cold frequency or severity, contradicting previous findings.
The American Thoracic Society has released updated guidelines for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), emphasizing a patient-centered approach. The new guidelines recommend against certain treatments, including anticoagulation and imatinib, while encouraging the use of nintedanib and pirfenidone.
The recent MERS-CoV outbreak in Korea spread quickly due to poor infection prevention and control measures, overcrowding, and environmental contamination. The authors emphasize the importance of implementing stringent hospital protocols, contact tracing, and mandatory quarantine for close contacts.
The American Thoracic Society recommends that adults aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, while children need age-based recommendations. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of education on sleep health, drowsy driving prevention, and early diagnosis of sleep disorders.
A new study found that older asthma patients, particularly those over 30, are more likely to experience treatment failure. The risk of treatment failure increases proportionally with age above 30 and is associated with lower lung function measurements and longer duration of asthma.
A study found that physical activity declines over time in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), worsening lung function and health status. Sustained physical inactivity is associated with progression of exercise intolerance and muscle depletion.
A large outcomes study found that community-acquired pneumonia increases long-term morbidity and mortality rates compared to the general population. CAP patients have high rates of all-cause hospitalization, emergency department visits, and pneumonia-related hospital visits.
Researchers from Duke University and Mayo Clinic analyzed data from the ARISTOTLE trial to explore COPD's connection to stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. They found that COPD was associated with increased mortality, particularly cardiovascular death, but not an increased risk of stroke or systemic embolism.
A meta-analysis of 38 studies found that inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) treatment for COPD may lower the risk of dying from pneumonia and other causes. The treatment also appears to decrease mortality risk when confounding factors are adjusted for.
Critically ill patients who have been mechanically ventilated for more than seven days are at greatly increased risk for functional impairment and mortality. FIM score, Charlson score, and age independently predicted mortality and disability at one year after discharge.
A nationwide analysis of COPD prevalence found that living in rural areas and poverty are significant risk factors for the disease. The study, which included over 87,000 participants, also found an association between biomass fuels and COPD in southern communities.
A study found that 38% of lung cancer survivors developed recurrent or new cancer during a 8.3-year surveillance period. Key risk factors for recurrence included smoking status, prior cancers, and asbestos exposure, highlighting the need for close monitoring and quitting smoking to reduce cancer recurrence.
A study found that music intervention reduced heart rate, respiratory rate, anxiety, and dyspnea in patients undergoing daily weaning trials from prolonged mechanical ventilation. However, further research is needed to test benefits in a larger sample and earlier in the weaning process.
Researchers identified GERD, female gender, and higher total SGRQ scores as significant predictors of COPD exacerbation risk in patients using inhaled medications. Tiotropium showed a trend towards lower rates of exacerbations in subjects without asthma, suggesting it may be beneficial for these patients.
Researchers found that air pollution directly impacts cognition, with particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide affecting the central nervous system via the sense of smell. Impaired lung function was also linked to cognitive decline in elderly women, regardless of air pollution exposure.
A new school-based program helps reduce absenteeism among urban minority children with asthma. The program, called Building Bridges for Asthma Care, identifies children with inadequately controlled asthma and provides support to help manage their disease and stay in school.
A study found that readmissions for severe sepsis are comparable to those for heart failure and pneumonia, highlighting the significant burden of this condition. Researchers analyzed inpatient discharges from Bellevue Hospital between 2011-2014 and identified a readmission rate of 15.31%.
A new study suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation can help reduce body mass index, improve pulmonary function, and decrease OSA severity in newly diagnosed patients. The treatment was found to be beneficial in addition to CPAP therapy.
Severe obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness are associated with an increased risk of depression in men. A large community-based study found that previously undiagnosed severe OSA and EDS were significantly linked to depression prevalence and incidence in a population of Australian men.
A large multicenter study found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), affecting nearly half of them. The study also suggests that the methods used to screen for OSA in patients with cardiovascular diseases need to be improved.
Researchers found that adding genetic information to a smoker's clinical risk profile results in improved lung cancer screening adherence, with higher-risk individuals more likely to adhere to follow-up CT scans. The study suggests that gene-based risk assessment can improve screening compliance and reduce the need for reclassification.