CHEST 2006 ABSTRACT BRIEFS
EMBARGO: Each Abstract is Embargoed Until the Day/Time Listed Below Title
ASTHMA
Asthma May Be Overdiagnosed in Obese Patients
(Monday, October 23, 2006, 4:30 PM EST)
A new study reveals that, despite lack of evidence, obese patients are often diagnosed with asthma. Researchers at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey studied 20 patients, all of whom had a diagnosis of asthma, but none of whom exhibited any spirometric evidence of airway obstruction. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and bronchoprovocations tests were performed. In all, 90 percent of patients had an above-normal BMI. Of that, 61 percent were nonreactive to methacholine, suggesting an overdiagnosis of asthma in obese patients. Researchers suggest bronchoprovocation testing should be considered in such patients.
Home Nebulizer Misuse May Contribute to Death
(Tuesday, October 24, 2006, 12:30 PM EST)
A new study suggests that the misuse of home nebulizers may have been a contributing cause of patient deaths in Michigan. All asthma-related deaths in Michigan, between 2002 to 2004, in patients 2- to 34-years-old, were identified. In total, 86 deaths occurred, 38 of which were children. Researchers from Michigan State University collected medical records for the year prior to death, and interviews with next of kin were obtained and examined by an expert panel. It was determined that out of the 52 patients prescribed a home nebulizer, only 30 patients used it regularly, and 19 patients used it prior to the fatal event. Researchers suggest that home nebulizers were not used in accordance with the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines and that their misuse may have been a contributing factor in some deaths.
New Surgery For Asthma Improves Symptoms
(Tuesday, October 24, 2006, 12:30 PM EST)
A new surgical procedure that reduces the amount of a person’s airway smooth muscle has the potential to decrease asthma symptoms caused by bronchoconstricition, according to a new study. Researchers from Canada conducted a randomized, multicenter study to examine the effect of bronchial thermoplasty on patients with moderate-to-severe, persistent asthma. A total of 108 subjects were enrolled and received standard medical management and bronchial thermoplasty. Subjects’ asthma were evaluated at weeks 12, 26, and 52. Compared with a control group, patients in the bronchial thermosplasty group showed an average 50 percent reduction in mild exacerbation rates after one year. Also, patients in this group who were taking inhaled corticosteroids showed significant improvement in their asthma status.
Job Safety Education Can Reduce Respiratory Symptoms
(Wednesday, October 25, 2006, 12:30 PM EST)
Professional cleaners who do not receive or understand workplace safety education are more likely to experience occupational asthma, according to a new study. Canadian researches preformed a work-place safety survey of 566 professional cleaners. Subjects were surveyed about asthma history and their degree of safety training comprehension. Among those surveyed, 94 percent reported receiving training, and 13 percent reported having difficulty understanding the topics. Those who did not receive training and men with a post-high-school education who found it hard to understand the training were more likely to experience work-related asthma symptoms. Physician-diagnosed and new-onset asthma were increased in both sexes with an education level greater than high school. This study is the first of its kind to link inadequate workplace safety education with an increased incidence of occupational asthma.
Diabetes Increases Asthma Prevalence
(Wednesday, October 25, 2006, 2:30 PM EST)
A new study reveals that the prevalence of asthma is significantly higher in patients with type II diabetes mellitus (DM), independent of other comorbid conditions. California researchers reviewed data from 293,124 patients with DM and 552,623 patients with hypertension but no DM (control group). Using multivariate analysis, researchers found that DM remained independently associated with asthma, which was present in 4.5 percent of patients with DM vs 2.9 percent of controls. Researchers suggest an asthma diagnosis in patients with DM and respiratory symptoms should be considered.
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