Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Persistent childhood asthma linked to COPD

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a link between persistent childhood asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in early adulthood. Children with low lung function at a young age were more likely to develop COPD later in life, regardless of treatment or smoking exposure.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 11, 2016

Screening for COPD not recommended

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine screening for COPD in asymptomatic adults due to lack of evidence on benefits and potential harms. Screening may divert resources from other preventive services, such as smoking cessation.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 5, 2016

High coronary calcium score may signal increased risk of cancer, kidney and lung disease

A high coronary artery calcium score may signal an increased risk of developing cancer, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study found that individuals with high scores had a higher risk of cancer, with a 53% increased risk of developing the disease during follow-up.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 16, 2016

Do asthma and COPD truly exist?

A new perspective article suggests a shift towards precision medicine, identifying 'treatable traits' in each patient to tailor management. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes by recognizing the clinical and biological complexity of airway diseases.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJan 31, 2016

The cellular protein shredder is impaired by cigarette smoke and in COPD patients

A study by Helmholtz Munich found that cigarette smoke damages the immunoproteasome, a protein complex responsible for degrading and presenting foreign proteins to the immune system. This impairment weakens the immune response in COPD patients, making them more prone to viral infections.

Music therapy increases effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD patients

Patients with COPD who received music therapy in conjunction with standard rehabilitation showed improved symptoms, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Music therapy incorporated breath control techniques, patient-preferred music, and visualizations to increase engagement and cope with chronic disease challenges.

Guides within electronic medical records during visits help doctors provide better care

Researchers found that embedded clinical practice guidelines in patient electronic medical records during outpatient visits improved the use of severity measurement tools, referrals to rehabilitation programs, inhaler education, and vaccinations among stable COPD patients. The intervention also led to better quality of care measures.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalRespiratory Medicine·DateNov 5, 2015

Novel tool can identify COPD

A novel approach for identifying patients with undiagnosed clinically-significant COPD has been developed. The new tool consists of several questions that can be used to aid clinicians in finding people with moderate or severe COPD, or those at risk of exacerbations before loss of lung function occurs.

COPD patients with psychological conditions have higher rate of early hospital readmission

A study published in CHEST found that COPD patients with psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis are more likely to be readmitted early due to complications. These patients had a longer hospital stay and lower outpatient follow-up visits, indicating the need for additional guidance to reduce readmission rates.

Study identifies risks related to falling in patients with COPD

A recent year-long study reveals that 40% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience falls, with over 75% falling multiple times. The study identifies several factors linked to an increased risk of falling, including smoking, other illnesses, and taking multiple medications.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateJul 24, 2015

Traditional Chinese exercises may help patients with COPD

Patients with COPD in remission showed improved lung function and quality of life after practicing Liuzijue qigong (LQG) for 6 months. The exercise program, combining meditation and walking, demonstrated marked benefits in mental health as well.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 14, 2015

Risk of COPD may already occur in adolescence

A groundbreaking study reveals that COPD can develop without accelerated lung function decline. The research indicates two major trajectories of lung function leading to COPD: a fast decline trajectory and an alternative trajectory where suboptimal lung function development in childhood and adolescence is the primary determinant.

Study: Include men in osteoporosis screening guidelines

A recent study found that one in four men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, surpassing prostate cancer incidence rates. The research suggests adding men to osteoporosis screening guidelines to address the high likelihood of vertebral fractures and low bone density.

SourceMediaSource·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMay 20, 2015

Study finds inhibitor for COPD lung destruction

Researchers at Brown and Yale implicates a specific mitochondrial protein, NLRX1, in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from exposure to cigarette smoke. The study shows that suppression of NLRX1 is a major cigarette-induced signature of lung destruction.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 4, 2015

New method enables drug target validation for COPD treatment

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have developed a new method to validate drug targets for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment. The technique enables the study of lung tissue repair mechanisms in patient-derived tissues, providing valuable insights into COPD pathologies and potential therapeutic avenues.