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CHEST 2005 abstract highlights

The study found that the size of a patient's lung mass correlates with brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer. School sports significantly decrease smoking rates among students. Researchers discovered a new method to diagnose and treat sleep apnea without overnight polysomnography, but noted a higher use of sedatives in non-obe...

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for July 2005 (second issue)

A study in the American Thoracic Society's journal found that ethambutol can cause ocular toxicity, particularly in patients with renal insufficiency. The researchers recommended monthly visual acuity and color discrimination testing for patients taking high doses of the drug or receiving it for extended periods.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 15, 2005

Elderly with advanced chronic diseases burdened with symptoms

A study of 226 elderly adults with advanced cancer, congestive heart failure, or COPD found that virtually all participants experienced moderate to severe symptoms, including limited activity, fatigue, and physical discomfort. The study highlights the importance of addressing these symptoms in this vulnerable population.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 8, 2004

'Lighter than air' breathing more than doubles COPD patients' exercise endurance

A low-density helium/oxygen mixture significantly reduces airflow limitations and lung dynamic hyperinflation in COPD patients, allowing for a substantial increase in exercise endurance time. The study found that the duration of exercise doubled from 4.2 minutes to 9 minutes for patients breathing heliox compared to regular air.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 29, 2004

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for August 2004 (second issue)

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...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 16, 2004

COPD patients with most severe form more likely to harbor pneumocystis in their lungs

Research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that COPD patients with the most advanced disease are more likely to harbor Pneumocystis jiroveci in their lungs. This colonization is strongly associated with increased airway obstruction and worse lung function, even after adjusting for smoking history.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 2004

COPD—A neglected disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive lung damage and increased mortality worldwide. The five-article series aims to increase awareness of COPD through advances in understanding and management.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 12, 2004

American Thoracic Society journal news tips for August 2004 (first issue)

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 2, 2004

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for May 2004 (first issue)

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 30, 2004

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for April 2004 (first issue)

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 26, 2004

COPD's changing face

Women with COPD are accounting for an increasing number of deaths due to rising smoking rates and occupational exposures. The disease was previously thought to be a male-dominated condition, but recent studies have shown that women's lung health has improved significantly over the past few decades.

American Thoracic Society Journal News Tips for November (First Issue)

Research found that over 34% of ventilated patients are sexually active, with better lung function and younger age being key factors. Meanwhile, a study in Ethiopia linked home kerosene use to increased allergy risk, while another study showed nearly 40% of COPD exacerbations are caused by respiratory viruses.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 29, 2001

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for October (second issue)

Researchers found that future SIDS victims showed more frequent airway obstruction during sleep tests, with less decrease in obstructive sleep apnea as they aged. Additionally, siblings of smokers with COPD had a high probability of airflow obstruction. The study also confirmed the effectiveness of anti-IgE monoclonal antibody treatmen...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 8, 2001

American Thoracic Society Journal News Tips for October (First Issue)

Researchers describe a new cause of respiratory failure in newborns and report a virulent Beijing strain causing a 'microepidemic' of TB on Gran Canaria Island. Exercise-induced oxidative stress may exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to studies published in the American Thoracic Society Journal.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 24, 2001