CHEST 2007 ABSTRACT BRIEFS
EMBARGO: Each Abstract is Embargoed Until the Day/Time Listed Below Title
ASTHMA
#6124
ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH IN ADULTS
(Monday, October 22, 3:30 PM EST)
A new study aimed to uncover the risk factors associated with asthma-related death among adults. Researchers from the University of California and Kaiser Permanente examined the risk factors by use of structured telephone interviews, and followed the 896 participants until death or the end of the study. Results showed that greater asthma severity and poorer perceived asthma control were associated with an increased prospective risk of death.
#5436
DOES ASTHMA PLAY A PART IN CAREER CHOICE?
(Tuesday, October 23, 11:30 AM EST)
New research from the University of Toronto examined whether adolescents consider their asthma when choosing their future careers. Participants aged 16-22, with physician- diagnosed asthma, completed a questionnaire containing 31 items regarding their level of asthma control, influence of asthma on career choice, and risk perception of occupation exposures. Researchers found that less than half of the participants agreed that asthma was an important factor in their career choice.
#4907
CAUTION URGED IN SELF-REPORTED HEALTH CARE
(Tuesday, October 23, 11:30 AM EST)
The number of emergency department visits, days in the hospital, and clinical visits that patients self-report may differ from what their medical records show, according to a new study. Researchers from Illinois, Louisiana, and Texas compared self-reported (SR) health care data to medical records in patients admitted to the hospital for acute asthma exacerbation. Results showed significant differences between the two, and researchers caution the use of SR data as an assessment of treatment effectiveness.
#5248
IMPACT OF OBESITY IN ASTHMA
(Tuesday, October 23, 11:30 AM EST)
A new study examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and asthma severity, spirometry, health care utilization, and quality of life (QOL) in 902 children and adults with asthma. Researchers, from the University of Texas, the Texas Transplant Institute, and the Altarum Institute, collected data over a 1-year period. They found that while obesity had little or no impact on the pediatric asthmatics, it was associated with worse QOL in the adult asthmatics.
#6084
UNCONTROLLED ASTHMA LEADS TO SCHOOL/WORK ABSENTEEISM
(Tuesday, October 23, 3:30 PM EST)
A new study shows that asthma left uncontrolled will lead to significantly more days off of school and work. The study, from National Jewish Medical and Research Center, in New York, with support from Wyeth Research and Cerner LifeSciences, compared absenteeism rates of more than 40,000 children and adults with controlled and uncontrolled asthma, and the absenteeism rates of their caregivers. Results showed that uncontrolled asthma yielded as many as 2 to 3 times more days absent from school and work.
#5686
KEEPING AN ASTHMA DIARY MAY RESULT IN FEWER DOCTOR VISITS
(Tuesday, October 23, 11:30 AM EST)
Researchers from the University of Michigan determined how helpful keeping an asthma diary is, and what the characteristics of the women who use them are. A total of 424 women participated in the randomized controlled trial. Results indicate that women who used the asthma diary had significantly better self-efficacy, less unscheduled physician office visits, and a trend towards better individual levels of self-regulation at follow-up when compared to those that did not. Researchers also found older women and those with a higher education were more likely to keep a diary, while those with more severe asthma and a history of smoking were less likely to keep one.
COPD
#5530
COPD PRESCRIPTIONS NOT INFLUENCED BY TEST
(Wednesday, October 24, 11:30 AM EST)
A new study reveals that patients with COPD commonly receive the same medication prescriptions, regardless of whether or not they've undergone spirometry testing. Over a 1-year period, researchers from Illinois collected data from more than 100,000 veterans with COPD. While only one-quarter of those included underwent spirometry, the test did not affect the type or amount of medications prescribed.
#4866
TAI CHI FOR COPD
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
New research from Thailand suggests modified Tai Chi exercises may be helpful for COPD rehabilitation. The combination of graceful body movements and pursed-lip breathing was found to improve maximum and functional exercise capacities, and overall quality of life in patients with COPD. Researchers suggest Tai Chi training could provide an effective, inexpensive, and non-traumatic training program for such patients.
#5235
DVT & COPD ARE A HIGH RISK COMBO
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
Patients with COPD who also suffer from deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) constitute a high- risk group, according to researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in Massachusetts. The study compared the demographics, symptoms, and risk factors in both DVT patients with and without COPD. Patients who suffered from both ailments were more likely to be older and male, and required more hospital resources.
#5022
LUNG FUNCTION TEST UNDERUTILIZED
(Wednesday, October 24, 11:30 AM EST)
A new study says spirometry testing is underutilized in outpatient medical clinics. The lung function test is recommended for proper diagnosis of COPD. Researchers from the University of Connecticut and St. Francis Hospital analyzed data for patients who were aged 45 or older, and were either diagnosed with COPD or asthma, a current smoker, or experiencing respiratory symptoms. Results showed that only one-third of patients received spirometry. Less than half of those diagnosed with COPD had spirometry confirmation.
COUGH
#5359
IRON DEFICIENT WOMAN COUGH MORE
(Tuesday, October 23, 1:30 PM EST)
New research investigates a possible link between iron deficiency in women and idiopathic cough. Italian researchers evaluated 16 healthy, non-smoking women, all of whom had normal lung function tests. All of the women suffered from chronic idiopathic cough and were iron deficient. Researchers found that these symptoms were strongly associated with extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness in all of the participants.
#5051
COMMON CAUSES OF COUGH IN CHILDREN
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
A new study has identified the three most common underlying causes of chronic cough in children. Forty children, who experienced cough for a period of at least 8 weeks, underwent an extensive medical workup, which included chest x-ray, bronchoscopy, and lung function tests. Researchers from West Jefferson Medical Center in Louisiana found that allergies, acid reflux, and asthma accounted for 90% of the underlying symptoms.
CRITICAL CARE
#4823
‘CLOSED' v. ‘OPEN' ICUs
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
Research from Cedars Sinai Medical Center supports the concept of a ‘closed' intensive care unit (ICU), one that is run by an intensivist, rather than an ‘open' ICU, one in which primary physicians make decisions regarding their patients' treatment in the ICU.
The study reviewed and compared the length of stay (LOS) of more than 400 patients admitted to ‘closed' units and more than 500 patients admitted to ‘open' units. Researchers found that those patients admitted to ‘closed' units had shorter LOS and that the ‘closed' units were less expensive to operate.
#5096
IMPACT OF OBESITY ON ICU MORTALITY
(Monday, October 22, 3:30 PM EST)
A new study of more than 15,000 obese patients, evaluated the impact of obesity on intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, ICU length of stay (LOS), and length of mechanical ventilation. After analyzing data, researchers from the University of Buffalo found that obesity in critically ill patients was not associated with excessive mortality, but was
significantly related to an increased duration of ventilation and ICU LOS.
#6067
DISTRESS AMONG ICU RELATIVES
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
Anxiety and depression are common among relatives of intensive care unit (ICU) patients, according to a new study. Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and Ben Taub General Hospital administered questionnaires to relatives of ICU patients who had been admitted for more than 2 days. More than one-third of respondents were found to have symptoms of anxiety and at least mild depression. Researchers suggest family members' reactions may be dependent on factors such as prior ICU experiences and individual coping skills.
#5904
AGE NOT A FACTOR IN ICU DEATHS
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
Elderly patients who enter the intensive care unit (ICU) are no more likely to die as a result of their age, reports a new study. Researchers from Providence Hospital in Washington DC, compared ICU patients aged 65+ years with patients who were less than 65-years-old. They found that there were no significant differences in mortality rates, hospital or ICU length of stay, or number of ventilator days. ICU complications also did not differ between the two groups.
#5946
REMOTE ICU CARE IS BENEFICIAL FOR PATIENTS
(Monday, October 22, 1:30 PM EST)
The shortage of intensivist around the country makes it difficult for intensive care unit (ICU) patients to receive the ‘gold standard' of care. However, researchers from Saint Luke's Health System in Missouri found that the implementation the eICU® tele-
intensivist program in their hospitals provided multiple positive outcomes. To assess the program, researchers evaluated the changes in ICU outcomes over a period of 5 quarters. At the end of the study period, the ICU program correlated with a decrease in mortality and ICU and hospital length of stays. Researchers also reported an improvement in operation performance.
#5260
TELE-INTENSIVISTS SAVE RURAL HOSPITALS MONEY
(Monday, October 22, 1:30 PM EST)
A new study suggests that one of the best ways for rural health systems to save money is by decreasing a patients' hospital length of stay (LOS) by use of a tele-intensivist program. Researchers from Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center and
Avera Health Plans, in South Dakota, gathered and compared LOS data from three regional hospitals, 1 year before and 2 years after the implementation of the tele-intensivist program. They found substantial LOS reductions in both the number of ICU
days and hospital days across the system. Researchers suggest the LOS reduction demonstrates a financial benefit.
#5785
PHONE TRIAGE FOR VENTILATOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
New research finds that a phone triage program for the caregivers of children who require invasive mechanical ventilation, provides a safe and cost effective alternative to a trip to the doctor. The program allowed caregivers to call a nurse or pediatric nurse practitioner for issues related to pulmonary exacerbations in the pediatric patients. After reviewing records, researchers from the University of Michigan found the program yielded significant savings, and provided safe and effective care for patients.
#4744
TIME DISTORTION DURING CPR
(Monday, October 22, 3:30 PM EST)
A new study reveals that during CPR, internal medicine residents often believe more time has passed, than what actually has. Researchers from Beth Israel Medical Center in New York tested time distortion on residents during scenarios using patient simulators. After completion of each scenario, all participants were asked how much time they believed had elapsed. Researchers found on average, residents believed more time had elapsed than what actually had. They also found that men were more likely to overestimate and women were more likely to underestimate the scenario time.
DVT
#4786
DVT IN ELDERLY MORE DIFFICULT TO IDENTIFY
(Wednesday, October 24, 11:30 AM EST)
A new study, from researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Brigham and Women's Hospital, identified the baseline characteristics, clinical presentation, and management differences in elderly patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It found that elderly patients were less likely to present with typical DVT symptoms and be treated outpatient, when compared to their nonelderly counterparts. Researchers also found that less than half of the elderly patients diagnosed with DVT received venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. Researchers suggest that elderly patients with DVT represent a vulnerable population. #5235
DVT & COPD ARE A HIGH RISK COMBO
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
Patients with COPD who also suffer from deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) constitute a
high- risk group, according to researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in Massachusetts. The study compared the demographics, symptoms, and risk factors in both DVT patients with and without COPD. Patients who suffered from both ailments were more likely to be older and male, and required more hospital resources.
GENDER
#5509
FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION LINKED TO SLEEP APNEA
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
While sexual dysfunction in men with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is well described, it has not been previously reported in women. Researchers from the Baylor College of Medicine, in Texas, administered sexual function questionnaires to 21 pre-menopausal women with OSA, who were referred to the sleep lab. Researchers found a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the women, which was unrelated to body mass index or negative mood.
#5693
NECK SIZE IS BEST PREDICTOR OF SLEEP APNEA SEVERITY
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
A new study evaluates the roles of gender and body measurements in the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) requirements. Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and The Methodist Hospital, in Texas, took multiple body measurements from 144 men and women with OSA. They found that patients' neck circumference, rather than their body mass index (BMI),
was more predictive of OSA severity, especially in women. Both neck circumference and BMI correlated to CPAP requirements.
#5686
KEEPING AN ASTHMA DIARY MAY RESULT IN FEWER DOCTOR VISITS
(Tuesday, October 23, 11:30 AM EST)
Researchers from the University of Michigan determined how helpful keeping an asthma diary is, and what the characteristics of the women who use them are. A total of 424 women participated in the randomized controlled trial. Results indicate that women who used the asthma diary had significantly better self-efficacy, less unscheduled physician office visits, and a trend towards better individual levels of self-regulation at follow-up when compared to those that did not. Researchers also found older women and those
with a higher education were more likely to keep a diary, while those with more severe asthma and a history of smoking were less likely to keep one.
LUNG FUNCTION
#5598
VITAMINS MAY IMPROVE SMOKERS' LUNG FUNCTION
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
New research shows that antioxidants—vitamins A, C, and E—may help improve lung function in people who smoke. Researchers from Bangladesh compared the lung function of 200 healthy male smokers who took one vitamin—A, C, or E— or all three in combination for 2 months. Results showed that patients taking vitamins, improved their lung function after 2 months, with those taking all three vitamins in combination experiencing the largest improvement in lung function. The study also found that when vitamin supplementation was ceased, smokers' lung function decreased, leading researchers to conclude that the beneficial effects of vitamins are temporary if they are not taken consistently.
#5608
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS IMPROVE LUNG FUNCTION
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
Researchers from Manhasset High School in New York, say a student athlete's respiratory muscles can be trained and strengthened through athletic activity. The spirometric values of both student athletes (swimmers and wrestlers) and non-athletes were analyzed and the differences between the two were calculated. Researchers found that athletes had significantly better lung function when compared to the non-athletes. They also found that among the athletes, wrestlers were shown to have better lung function than swimmers. #4757
ALCOHOL MAY BE GOOD FOR LUNG FUNCTION
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
People who are light to moderate drinkers may experience better lung function than abstainers, according to a study from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center. Researchers examined data from health care exams administered to more than 177,000 members of a health plan from 1964-1973. Included were lung function data and questionnaire items
regarding alcohol habits. Results showed that independent of smoking and evidence of lung or heart disease, light to moderate drinkers were less likely to have abnormal lung function.
#5022
LUNG FUNCTION TEST UNDERUTILIZED
(Wednesday, October 24, 11:30 AM EST)
A new study says spirometry testing is underutilized in outpatient medical clinics. The lung function test is recommended for proper diagnosis of COPD. Researchers from the University or Connecticut and St. Francis Hospital analyzed data for patients who were
aged 45 or older, and were either diagnosed with COPD or asthma, a current smoker, or experiencing respiratory symptoms. Results showed that only one-third of patients received spirometry. Less than half of those diagnosed with COPD had spirometry confirmation.
#5530
COPD PRESCRIPTIONS NOT INFLUENCED BY TEST
(Wednesday, October 24, 11:30 AM EST)
A new study reveals that patients with COPD commonly receive the same medication prescriptions, regardless of whether or not they've undergone spirometry testing. Over a 1-year period, researchers from Illinois collected data from more than 100,000 veterans with COPD. While only one-quarter of those included underwent spirometry, the test did not affect the type or amount of medications prescribed.
PAH
#5982
NEW REGISTRY CREATED FOR PAH PATIENTS
(Tuesday, October 23, 1:30 PM EST)
A new US-based study entitled, The Registry to Evaluate Early And Long-term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL), has been implemented at 50 sites in the US, for the purpose of gathering current and reliable information about the demographics, clinical course, and management of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Patients will be followed for 5 years, and there are currently 1,226 patients enrolled in the registry. Researchers and representatives from Duke University, the Universities of Colorado, Alabama, and Oklahoma, and Actelion Pharmaceuticals suggest the registry will provide a large data set on PAH, which will allow the investigative community to address clinically important questions.
#6036
REVEAL REGISTRY RECOGNIZES DIAGNOSIS DELAY
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
As part of an observational, US-based study, the REVEAL Registry has identified a significant delay in the period spanning symptom onset and the time to diagnosis of
pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Researchers and representatives from LDS Hospital, Boston University, Baylor College, the University of Utah, and the Ovation
Research Group examined the records of REVEAL enrollees who had physician diagnosed PAH. They found that most of the patients experienced a significant delay between first symptoms and time to diagnosis, with most experiencing a year-long delay. They also note that 25 percent experienced a delay of up to 3-years.
#5900
SILDENAFIL BEST TREATMENT FOR PAH
(Wednesday, October 24, 3:00 PM EST)
Sildenafil may be the best treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), according to new research. The study, from the Medical University of South Carolina, found that when compared to six other treatments, Sildenafil was the most inexpensive,
and resulted in a greater gain in quality-adjusted life years. Researchers suggest physicians take the life-styles of their patients into account when prescribing PAH medications.
PEDIATRICS
#5822
WHAT KIDS KNOW ABOUT TOBACCO
(Tuesday, October 23, 3:30 PM EST)
A new study surveys how much young children know about the ill effects of tobacco smoke. Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and Texas A&M administered questionnaires to more than 4,000 first, second, and third grade students, none of whom had undergone previous antismoking programs. Results showed that while overall knowledge about the ill effects of smoking was good, there was still room for improvement. Researchers suggest implementing antismoking classes as early as the first grade.
#5051
COMMON CAUSES OF COUGH IN CHILDREN
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
A new study has identified the three most common underlying causes of chronic cough in children. Forty children, who experienced cough for a period of at least 8 weeks,
underwent an extensive medical workup, which included chest x-ray, bronchoscopy, and
lung function tests. Researchers from West Jefferson Medical Center in Louisiana found that allergies, acid reflux, and asthma accounted for 90% of the underlying symptoms.
#5785
PHONE TRIAGE FOR VENTILATOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
New research finds that a phone triage program for the caregivers of children who require invasive mechanical ventilation provides a safe and cost effective alternative to a trip to
the doctor. The program allowed caregivers to call a nurse or pediatric nurse practitioner for issues related to pulmonary exacerbations in the pediatric patients. After reviewing records, researchers from the University of Michigan found the program yielded significant savings, and provided safe and effective care for patients.
#6084
UNCONTROLLED ASTHMA LEADS TO SCHOOL/WORK ABSENTEEISM
(Tuesday, October 23, 3:30 PM EST)
A new study shows that asthma left uncontrolled will lead to significantly more days off of school and work. The study, from National Jewish Medical and Research Center, in New York, with support from Wyeth Research and Cerner LifeSciences, compared absenteeism rates of more than 40,000 children and adults with controlled and uncontrolled asthma, and the absenteeism rates of their caregivers. Results showed that uncontrolled asthma yielded as many as 2 to 3 times more days absent from school and work.
#5608
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS IMPROVE LUNG FUNCTION
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
Researchers from Manhasset High School in New York say a student athlete's respiratory muscles can be trained and strengthened through athletic activity. The spirometric values of both student athletes (swimmers and wrestlers) and non-athletes were analyzed and the differences between the two were calculated. Researchers found that athletes had significantly better lung function when compared to the non-athletes. They also found that among the athletes, wrestlers were shown to have better lung function than swimmers.
SLEEP
#5883
CPAP MAY HELP MANAGE IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
Body mass index (BMI) and apnea hypopnea index (AHI) show no relation to premature ventricular arrhythmias (PVC) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a new study. However the researchers, from Lutheran Medical Center and SUNY-Downstate Medical Center in New York, say that treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) decreases the incidence of both AHI and PVC. The
significant decrease in PVC may be the result of decreased transmural pressure, say researchers.
#6021
FIRST-NIGHT COMFORT MAY DETERMINE FUTURE CPAP USE
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
How a patient with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) feels on their first night using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine may determine their future compliance, according to a new study from the Cleveland Clinic. Researchers administered behavioral questionnaires to patients prescribed CPAP, and determined compliance via a meter within the machine, which measured length of use. Results
showed a positive correlation between CPAP compliance and patients' level of comfort
and ease on the first night of use. Researchers also found that patients who recently experienced the death of a loved one, were less likely to comply.
#5542
POOR BEDTIME BEHAVIORS MORE COMMON IN OSA
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
New research shows patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have worse bedtime behaviors than people who do not suffer from the condition. Researchers from MetroHealth Medical Center, in Ohio, administered behavioral questionnaires to more than 500 patients with and without OSA. They found that patients with OSA were more likely to exhibit poor sleep hygiene and less likely to sleep in a bed. Researchers suggest such alternative sleeping environments may impact sleep duration and overall health status.
#5687 FRAGMENTED SLEEP AFFECTS CHOLESTEROL
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have released a new study, examining the relationship between sleep fragmentation and lipid profiles. Both
normal and overweight individuals underwent three nights of testing, which included polysomnography and blood testing to determine total cholesterol and triglycerides. Results showed that moderate sleep fragmentation was associated with reduced cholesterol in the overweight participants only.
#6096
NIGHTSHIFT NURSES SLEEPIER THAN DAYSHIFT NURSES
(Wednesday, October 24, 11:30 AM EST)
A new study suggests that, despite the amount of sleep nightshift nurses receive, they are more likely to experience sleepiness, when compared with their dayshift counterparts. Researchers from Texas A & M University, Baylor College of Medicine, and the Torr
Sleep Center, measured the amount of sleep received by day and nightshift nurses using actigraphy. The nurses also answered questions related to the effects of sleepiness. Results showed that although both groups of nurses received the same amount of sleep, the night-shift nurses were more likely to experience sleepiness.
#5841
SLEEP DEPRIVATION AND MEDICAL ERRORS
(Wednesday, October 24, 11:30 AM EST)
New research investigates the relationship between the sleep duration and memory capacity of medical residents, during different rotations. The study, from the Universities of Georgia and Minnesota and Regions Hospital in Minnesota, studied internal medicine interns and residents during one 4-week call-free rotation and one 4-week call rotation.
After analysis, researchers found that of those who participated in both sets, more errors were made during the on-call rotation. This included more math and accuracy errors, as well as greater sleepiness scores.
#5700
INSOMNIA IN PULMONARY FIBROSIS WORSE THAN IN ADDICTS
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) commonly experience insomnia. But new research from the Medical University of South Carolina reveals how severe the insomnia experienced by these patients can be. After using the Insomnia Severity Index to survey patients in an IPF support group, researchers found that some patients experienced levels of insomnia which were more severe than that experienced due to pain or substance abuse.
#5509
FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION LINKED TO SLEEP APNEA
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
While sexual dysfunction in men with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is well described, it has not been previously reported in women. Researchers from the Baylor College of Medicine, in Texas, administered sexual function questionnaires to 21 pre-menopausal women with OSA, who were referred to the sleep lab. Researchers found a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the women, which was unrelated to body mass index or negative mood.
#5693
NECK SIZE IS BEST PREDICTOR OF SLEEP APNEA SEVERITY
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
A new study evaluates the roles of gender and body measurements in the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) requirements. Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and The Methodist Hospital,
in Texas, took multiple body measurements from 144 men and women with OSA. They found that patients' neck circumference, rather than their body mass index (BMI), was more predictive of OSA severity, especially in women. Both neck circumference and BMI correlated to CPAP requirements.
TOBACCO/ADDICTION
#5598
VITAMINS MAY IMPROVE SMOKERS' LUNG FUNCTION
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
New research shows that antioxidants—vitamins A, C, and E—may help improve lung function in people who smoke. Researchers from Bangladesh compared the lung function of 200 healthy male smokers who took one vitamin—A, C, or E—or all three in combination for 2 months. Results showed that patients taking vitamins, improved their lung function after 2 months, with those taking all three vitamins in combination experiencing the largest improvement in lung function. The study also found that when vitamin supplementation was ceased, smokers' lung function decreased, leading researchers to conclude that the beneficial effects of vitamins are temporary if they are not taken consistently.
#4821
HIGH-RISK BEHAVIORS IN LUNG DONORS
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
Lung transplant patients may benefit from receiving organs from donors thought to have exhibited high-risk social behaviors (HRSB) prior to death, according to a new study.
Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University reviewed the charts of more than 200 lung transplantation patients from 1998 to 2003. Those patients who received HRSB lungs were found to have better pulmonary function tests prior to discharge and at follow-up, compared to the other recipients. In addition, there were no differences in overall survival between the two groups. Researchers suggest HRSB donors can provide viable organs and help to expand the donor pool.
#5700
INSOMNIA IN PULMONARY FIBROSIS WORSE THAN IN ADDICTS
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) commonly experience insomnia. But new research from the Medical University of South Carolina reveals how severe insomnia experienced by these patients can be. After using the Insomnia Severity Index to survey patients in an IPF support group, researchers found that some patients experienced levels of insomnia which were more severe than that experienced due to pain or substance abuse.
#4757
ALCOHOL MAY BE GOOD FOR LUNG FUNCTION
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
People who are light to moderate drinkers may experience better lung function than abstainers, according to a study from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center. Researchers examined data from health care exams administered to more than 177,000 members of a health plan from 1964-1973. Included were lung function data and questionnaire items regarding alcohol habits. Results showed that independent of smoking and evidence of lung or heart disease, light to moderate drinkers were less likely to have abnormal lung function.
#5822
WHAT KIDS KNOW ABOUT TOBACCO
(Tuesday, October 23, 3:30 PM EST)
A new study surveys how much young children know about the ill effects of tobacco smoke. Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and Texas A&M administered questionnaires to more than 4,000 first, second, and third grade students, none of whom had undergone previous antismoking programs. Results showed that while overall knowledge about the ill effects of smoking was good, there was still room for improvement. Researchers suggest implementing antismoking classes as early as the first grade.
NEW TREATMENTS/METHODS
#5148
MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT TB MORE COMMON IN HIV
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
New research from St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in New Jersey assessed the
frequency of drug resistance between tuberculosis (TB) patients with and without HIV.Researchers reviewed the medical records of more than 200 patients with pulmonary TB from 1999-2007, and compared the data with previously complied results from 1995-1998. They found that while the overall frequency of multi-drug resistant TB declined in HIV patients, it still remained more frequent in the HIV patients, when compared to those TB patients without HIV.
#5854
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS IMPROVE TIMING OF ANTIBIOTICS
(Monday, October 22, 3:30 PM EST)
A new study suggests that pneumonia patients are treated more quickly and accurately when hospitals implement a collaborative process. During a 2-year period, researchers from Cedars Sinai Medical Center applied a ‘collaborative review' process and a ‘shared accountability' process, when treating patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP), who were admitted through the emergency department. After implementation, researchers found that over 90% of antibiotic timing rates complied with performance measures.
#5750
LUNG ‘GLUE' IDEAL FOR RESECTION SURGERY
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
The use of human fibrin sealant, special glue used to seal air leaks during lung resection surgery, is yielding positive results, according to new research. The study, from George Washington University and the Washington Institute of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, gathered and reviewed the success rates of the sealant in 74 patients who
underwent lung resection. Researchers report superior results in those patients who
received the sealant, and suggest that this product may provide greater patient comfort, lower complications, shorter hospitalization, and reduced cost.
#5988
HEART PATEINTS IN OUTPATIENT PROGRAM LIVE LONGER
(Tuesday, October 23, 3:30 PM EST)
Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) may benefit from an outpatient, comprehensive disease management and rehabilitation program (CDMR), says a new study. Researchers from Loma Linda Medical Center studied two groups of CHF
patients. Both received education and training in CHF management, but only one group participated in a 12-week CDMR program. Results showed that patients in the CDMR program had improved survival rates at 48 months, as well as long-term improvement in medication adherence and smoking cessation, and fewer hospital visits. #5862
NEW TREATMENT OPTION FOR INOPERABLE LUNG TUMORS
(Tuesday, October 23, 11:30 AM EST)
Patients who suffer from inoperable, stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may have a non-surgical alternative, reports new research. A study from Georgetown University studied the outcomes of radiosurgery in 20 patients with NSCLC, using an instrument called CyberKnife, with real-time tumor motion tracking. After the treatment, patients received CT imaging and lung function testing at 6 and 12 months. Researchers report the treatment as well tolerated, with a crude survival rate of 95% at 12 months.
#4880
PREOPERATIVE ‘TATOOING' GOOD FOR THORACIC SURGERY
(Monday, October 22, 11:30 AM EST)
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) often results in thoracotomy due to visual limitations, but a new ‘tattooing' procedure may help slow this trend, according to a new study. Researchers from Saint Vincent's Catholic Medical Center, NY, and Franklin
Square Hospital Center, MD, stained the pulmonary nodules of four patients preparing for VATS with dye, prior to surgery. They reported that the ‘tattooing' of the nodules enabled for precise locatablilty and aided in directing the depth of the resection. Researchers suggest that this procedure is feasible and safe, and minimizes the conversions from VATS to thoracotomies.
#4866
TAI CHI FOR COPD
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
New research from Thailand suggests modified Tai Chi exercises may be helpful for COPD rehabilitation. The combination of graceful body movements and pursed-lip breathing was found to improve maximum and functional exercise capacities, and overall quality of life in patients with COPD. Researchers suggest Tai Chi training could provide an effective, inexpensive, and non-traumatic training program for patients.
#5883
CPAP MAY HELP MANAGE IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT
(Wednesday, October 24, 1:30 PM EST)
Body mass index (BMI) and apnea hypopnea index (AHI) show no relation to premature ventricular arrhythmias (PVC) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a new study. However the researchers, from Lutheran Medical Center and SUNY-Downstate Medical Center in New York, say that treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) decreases the incidence of both AHI and PVC. The
significant decrease in PVC may be the result of decreased transmural pressure, say researchers.
#5900
SILDENAFIL BEST TREATMENT FOR PAH
(Wednesday, October 24, 3:00 PM EST)
Sildenafil may be the best treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), according to new research. The study, from the Medical University of South Carolina, found that when compared to six other treatments, Sildenafil was the most inexpensive
and resulted in a greater gain in quality-adjusted life years. Researchers suggest physicians take the life-styles of their patients into account when prescribing PAH medications.
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