The American College of Chest Physicians launches a new initiative to aid in reducing time to diagnosis for complex lung conditions like NTM disease and bronchiectasis. The Bridging Specialties program aims to provide clinicians with essential tools for earlier detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective management.
A new study found significant variation in COPD prevalence and burden across states and insurance types, with West Virginia topping the list at 143 cases per 1,000 insured individuals and Utah ranking last at 44. The study also revealed high mortality rates among people with COPD in several states.
Researchers found that COPD patients have a larger accumulation of carbon deposits in their alveolar macrophage cells, which grow abnormally large and cause inflammation. This buildup is associated with worsened lung function.
A study characterizes how people with COPD walk, revealing that gait quality deteriorates as the disease progresses. Individuals with more severe breathing difficulties exhibit slower walking speeds, shorter steps, and lower step frequencies compared to those with milder forms of the disease.
This study investigates the immunomodulatory effects of Ejiao on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), focusing on its impact on inflammatory pathways and macrophages. Ejiao significantly improves lung function in COPD model mice, reduces inflammation, and modulates the ER/AKT/NF-κB pathway.
Researchers will present AI models that predict chronic respiratory failure and detect airway obstruction, with key findings on asthma susceptibility, small airway disease, and lung inflammation. The studies use nasal epithelial gene expression analyses and bronchoscopy to identify potential biomarkers for ICU patient outcomes.
A new COPD diagnostic approach integrates respiratory symptoms, quality of life, spirometry, and CT imaging to accurately classify individuals with the disease. This framework reveals increased risks for mortality, exacerbations, and lung function decline among those classified as having COPD.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham discovered that patients with persistent mucus plugs in their lungs experience a faster decline in lung function compared to those without the plugs. The study suggests that therapies targeting these plugs may help slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes.
Key findings reveal oxidative stress as a prominent area in COPD studies, with hot topics including air pollution, cigarette smoke extract, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The study highlights the need for targeted antioxidants to effectively treat COPD.
Activating Nrf2 reduces senescent bronchial epithelial cells, improving lung function and decreasing inflammation in COPD models. This novel therapeutic approach targets cellular senescence and inflammation to mitigate COPD progression.
Research reveals individuals taking oral steroids for over 3 months are 6 times more likely to be diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency than those treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Long-term users of inhaled steroids also face increased risk without hospitalisations.
Even among non-smokers, women are 50% more likely to develop COPD than men. The study suggests that factors other than cigarette smoke may be at play, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and treatment efforts.
A new report published in the COPD Foundation's journal found virtual pulmonary rehabilitation to be a safe and effective alternative for people with COPD who require supplemental oxygen. The program improved clinical outcomes and quality of life for participants, demonstrating its potential to increase access to care.
Researchers developed a novel rat model that closely replicates human COPD-associated cor pulmonale, exhibiting chronic lung inflammation, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The model provides insights into the underlying mechanisms of disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
A new study found that increased perceived stress can lead to worsened respiratory symptoms and decreased quality of life in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study also examined the association between stress and platelet activation, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation.
SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 29, 2025
Aspiro Therapeutics is advancing an innovative inhaled therapy for asthma and COPD using peptidomimetics based on CC16. The treatment aims to address the underlying mechanism driving respiratory conditions, providing a more effective option for patients.
A recent study of 249,190 individuals found a significant link between exclusive e-cigarette use and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension in adults aged 30-70. In contrast, traditional combustible cigarette smoking was associated with increased risks for various cardiometabolic diseases.
A new study found that a hybrid music therapy intervention improved mental health in patients with heart failure and COPD. The pilot study also identified solutions to improve future research, including strategies for post-discharge engagement.
A major Danish nationwide cohort study found that adults with respiratory syncytial virus-associated acute respiratory infection (RSV-ARI) experience significantly worse health outcomes, including a 2.7-fold higher risk of death within one year compared to the general population. RSV-ARI also leads to exacerbations of COPD and asthma, ...
The American College of Chest Physicians' CHEST Critical Care and CHEST Pulmonary journals have been indexed in Elsevier's Scopus database. This achievement is a testament to the high-quality research published in these journals, which provide open access content in pulmonary and critical care medicine.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new method to diagnose COPD by analyzing protein levels in nasal lavage. The study found that elevated IL-26 levels can indicate an early phase of the disease, and may lead to new treatment strategies targeting this cytokine.
People with heart failure who can travel outside their home without assistance are less likely to be hospitalized or die within a year. Life-space mobility, a measure of how far patients move in their communities, is a reliable marker of risk for adverse outcomes in chronic diseases.
Long-term inhaled corticosteroid use increases risk of type 2 diabetes, cataracts, pneumonia, osteoporosis, and fractures in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term ICS users are nearly three times as likely to develop recurrent cases of pneumonia and fractures.
Research suggests that having an overweight or obesity trajectory during childhood is associated with a higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood. The study found that women with above-average childhood BMI trajectories had a 26% higher risk, while those with an obesity BMI trajectory had a 65% higher risk.
CHEST MedCast offers over 400 videos and podcasts with personalized content recommendations, available on-demand and at any time from any device. The platform features an algorithm-based recommendation engine and up to 100 available CME credits/MOC points.
A new study suggests that statins can reduce chest muscle loss in smokers, while aspirin may contribute to increased muscle loss. The study examined data from 4,191 participants and found that statins protected pectoralis muscle area and density, whereas aspirin led to decreased muscle mass.
The Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network facilitates access to specialized care and support for hundreds of thousands of people with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease. The network aims to improve quality of life and advance a cure for these conditions.
A new study found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and arthritis have a significantly increased risk of death compared to those with only arthritis. The research analyzed data from over 11,000 individuals in the US and discovered a strong association between COPD and mortality rates in people with arthritis.
A new study published in Child Maltreatment found that adults who experienced childhood physical and sexual abuse had double the odds of developing health and mental health conditions. The presence of a protective adult in the home was associated with better long-term health outcomes among children who experienced abuse.
A new study highlights the importance of diagnosing depression and anxiety in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to address gaps in care. The study found that fewer than half of those meeting the criteria for a depression or anxiety diagnosis were receiving mental health counseling or using antidepressants.
The collaboration aims to close gaps in early recognition and management of IPF by equipping healthcare providers, public health professionals, and patients with necessary resources. The organizations will employ designated activities to build a knowledge base, develop survey tools, and create educational and awareness assets.
PRISm is a form of Pre-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Pre-COPD) characterized by respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function. Imaging assessments, such as computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging, play a crucial role in diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of PRISm.
A retrospective study found that smoking negatively affects respiratory rehabilitation efficacy in COPD patients, leading to inferior pulmonary function improvements and reduced quality of life compared to non-smokers. Non-smokers showed significant gains in exercise capacity and sleep quality post-rehabilitation.
A U-shaped relationship between admission peripheral oxygen saturation and all-cause hospital mortality was observed in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). The lowest mortality rate occurred at an SpO2 of 89.5%, indicating that lower oxygen levels are associated with increased risk.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has developed an educational program and formal certification exam for nurse practitioners and physician assistants/associates in critical care. The program validates clinical expertise and demonstrates professional acumen, aiming to improve patient care.
Macrophages expressing high Spp1 levels are found in emphysema patients and those exposed to cigarette smoke or soot-like particles. This study highlights Spp1 as a crucial mediator of environmental particle pollution-related COPD development, offering potential preventive targets.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and GLP-1RAs show reduced risk of moderate/severe COPD exacerbations compared to dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors. This finding may inform glucose-lowering medication prescribing for patients with type 2 diabetes and active COPD.
Arnulfo Duarte, a first-year fellow, will receive the APCCMPD and CHEST Medical Educator Scholar Diversity Fellowship for a second year. The program aims to improve diversity in pulmonary and critical care education by providing mentorship and training opportunities.
A new study has developed a polygenic risk score for COPD that improves identification of individuals with the disease in the community. The test uses genetic samples from a cheek swab or blood test, and when combined with a case-finding questionnaire, it identifies undiagnosed cases more accurately.
The TARIPH Centre will conduct patient-centric translational research on respiratory health in collaboration with nine institutions, focusing on factors unique to Asia. The five-year programme aims to provide a clearer understanding of lung disease in Asians and develop effective national strategies for improvement.
According to the CDC's latest report, COPD ranks as the sixth leading cause of death in the US, claiming over 30 million Americans. The disease affects women more than men, with a higher burden of deaths among females.
Researchers discover how cigarette smoke alters the function of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a key type of immune cell in the lungs. This impairment increases susceptibility to respiratory infections and worsens chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A new study published in the COPD Foundation journal found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at a higher risk of falls and related injuries when taking commonly prescribed medications. The likelihood of falls increases relative to the number of fall-risk increasing drugs used.
Additional research is required to explore the relationship between COPD and metabolic syndrome, focusing on outcomes, intervention trials, and health services research. This will help shift from a COPD-focused approach to an integrated care approach considering all comorbidities.
SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 9, 2025
A study published in ERJ Open Research found that women are less likely to receive a lung transplant and wait an average of six weeks longer for one. Despite this, women who undergo transplantation have higher survival rates five years post-transplant.
A recent study published in the Journal of the COPD Foundation found that childhood smoking before age 15 significantly increases a person's risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) later in life. The research examined a nationally representative sample of adults and accounted for secondhand smoke exposure, highl...
John Howington, MD, MBA, FCCP, is the new President of CHEST, succeeding Neil S. Freedman, who will be President-Elect in 2026. Dr. Howington has extensive leadership experience and has published over 49 research publications.
A deep learning model developed by researchers at San Diego State University can accurately diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using a single inhalation lung CT scan. The study found that the model performed similarly to traditional two-phase CT measurements, with added clinical data improving accuracy.
High-flow nasal oxygen was found to be more effective than noninvasive ventilation in preventing endotracheal intubation or death within 7 days in four of five patient groups with acute respiratory failure. However, the results were sensitive to analysis models and may require further study in specific patient populations.
The COPD Foundation's PIVOT initiative aims to integrate patient-inspired health concepts into clinical trials for COPD. This framework improves research study design, enhances treatment benefit communication, and accelerates access to new therapies.
The surgical team led by Stephanie H. Chang performed the groundbreaking procedure using da Vinci Xi robotic system at NYU Langone Transplant Institute. The successful transplant marks a significant milestone in lung transplantation surgery, offering hope to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) like Cheryl Mehrkar.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that nicotinamide riboside can reduce lung inflammation in COPD patients, leading to a significant drop in inflammation markers and improved lung function. The treatment also showed signs of delaying cellular aging.
Researchers use AI to predict COPD flare-ups based on daily urine tests, potentially allowing for proactive treatment and prevention. The study identifies biomarkers in urine that can forecast a flare-up seven days prior to symptoms.
Researchers are conducting a multi-year study to understand small airway abnormalities and their role in emphysema development. The SPIROMICS Study of Early Disease Progression (SOURCE) aims to provide novel insights into COPD progression and inform the development of new therapies.
A team of researchers at Vanderbilt University has developed robotic sensory cilia that can monitor mucus conditions in human airways, detecting infection, obstruction, and disease severity. The technology leverages external magnetic fields to sense mucus viscosity and layer thickness, paving the way for real-time monitoring and early ...
A new editorial suggests using syndemic theory approach to address disparities in COPD treatment, emphasizing the importance of considering comorbidities and socioeconomic factors. The authors aim to promote holistic care and increase research participation from minority populations.
A new study from the University of Toronto finds that childhood neglect is associated with a range of mental and physical health problems in adulthood. The presence of a supportive adult and higher socioeconomic status largely attenuate this relationship.
A cohort study reveals that AATD patients with COPD have a unique liver transcriptomic profile, with upregulated pathways related to fibrosis and inflammation. Histopathological analysis confirms higher levels of fibrosis and hepatocellular damage in these individuals.
Researchers found that reducing sialic acid levels on MUC5B mucin protein can alter its structure, leading to entangled polymers and impaired mucus transport. This study identifies a possible therapeutic strategy for treating cystic fibrosis and other muco-obstructive diseases.
A large multicentre study found no differences in quality of life, symptoms, or mortality between patients receiving 24-hour and 15-hour oxygen therapy at home. This is significant for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease undergoing long-term oxygen therapy.