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New ramelteon data presented at AARC

A new study presented at AARC found that ramelteon did not exacerbate respiratory depressant effects in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study showed significant increases in total sleep time and sleep efficiency with ramelteon compared to placebo.

Predicting survival after liver transplantation

Researchers developed a new modified comorbidity index to predict post-liver-transplant survival, considering comorbidities such as coronary disease, diabetes, and COPD. This index predicted survival as well or better than other models using recipient characteristics.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateNov 5, 2007

ACP issues comprehensive guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of stable COPD

The American College of Physicians has released a new clinical practice guideline on diagnosing and treating stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The guidelines recommend the use of spirometry in patients with respiratory symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, to diagnose airflow obstruction. For symptomatic patien...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 31, 2007

COPD rates, higher than expected in China, will continue to grow

A large-scale study in China reveals that COPD prevalence is significantly higher than previously thought, affecting over 8% of the population over 40. The risk factors identified include smoking, particularly among women, and exposure to biomass fuels, highlighting a need for preventative measures and improved diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 12, 2007

Updated GOLD report presents new understandings in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of COPD

The updated GOLD report provides new standards for diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphasizing the importance of proper diagnosis and assessment. The report also highlights the need to understand co-morbidities and implement effective strategies for prevention, treatment, and management.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 14, 2007

COPD not just a disease of the lungs

The Lancet proposes adding chronic systemic inflammatory syndrome to COPD diagnosis to address frequent comorbidities and improve patient care. Patients with COPD often die from non-respiratory disorders such as cardiovascular disease or cancer.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 30, 2007

Sex differences found in COPD

Researchers analyzed 1053 patients with severe emphysema to find marked sex differences in COPD. Women had shorter smoking histories and lower body mass index, but experienced more breathlessness and depression than men.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 1, 2007

Promising drug fails to improve COPD symptoms

A promising anti-inflammatory drug failed to improve symptoms of moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a large trial. The study suggests that other mediators may be necessary to cause COPD, and raises concerns about the safety of the drug.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 1, 2007

High-dose inhaled corticosteroid use for COPD could cut risk of lung cancer

Researchers found that regular high-dose inhaled corticosteroid use among COPD patients lowered the risk of developing lung cancer. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, found a significant reduction in relative risk for users of over 1,200 micrograms per day.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 2, 2007

A higher physical activity level slows lung function decline in smokers

A large retrospective cohort study found that moderate to high levels of regular physical activity slow lung function decline among smokers and reduce the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Regular exercise suppresses inflammatory markers in the lungs caused by smoking, reducing COPD pathogenesis.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 1, 2007

Helium helps patients breathe easier

Researchers at the University of Alberta discovered that combining helium with 40% oxygen improves the exercise tolerance of COPD patients, allowing them to increase their exercise capacity by an average of 245%. This treatment could have significant clinical implications for people with severe respiratory problems.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2007

Combination therapy reduces exacerbations in severe COPD

A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that combining a long-acting bronchodilator with an inhaled corticosteroid reduced exacerbations by 35% in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The treatment was well-tolerated, but raised concerns about potential sys...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 15, 2007

CHEST 2006 abstract briefs

Research suggests that asthma diagnosis may be overdiagnosed in obese patients, while inadequate workplace safety education is linked to an increased incidence of occupational asthma. Additionally, a study finds that diabetes increases the prevalence of asthma, and heart murmurs are more common in women.

World Trade Center dust cuts lung function capability in rescue workers

A large-scale study found that NYC firefighters' lung function declined by 12 years of age due to WTC dust exposure, with early arrival time-based periods showing more frequent respiratory symptoms. Researchers emphasize the importance of medical surveillance for high-risk jobs and call for better protective equipment.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 1, 2006

Coordination of primary health care and hospital care reduces readmission in COPD

A study by Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and Leuven University Hospital found that coordinated primary and hospital care can significantly reduce readmissions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The integrated approach includes home care services, which resulted in a 50% lower rate of readmissions compared to...

Combined treatment cuts inflammatory cells in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A randomized study of 140 COPD patients found that a combination therapy significantly reduced inflammatory cells and improved lung function. The treatment, salmeterol/fluticasone propionate, decreased inflammation by 36% and showed improvements in lung function similar to other anti-inflammatory treatments.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 31, 2006