September 2011

Recording-Breaking Number of Open Forums on Tap at AARC Congress 2011
The 57th International Respiratory Convention & Exhibition in Tampa, FL, this Nov. 5–8 will feature more original research than any other AARC Congress in history, in a record-setting 20 Open Forums sprinkled throughout the four days of the meeting. Take a few moments to review the abstracts—and the program too, which is now online as well—and then register to attend today. SCROLL THROUGH OPEN FORUM SESSIONS READ PROGRAM

Lung Function Linked to MS and DM
Oklahoma researchers taking part in the Strong Heart Study of American Indians have linked reduced pulmonary function with the development of metabolic syndrome (MS) and diabetes (DM). The study involved 2396 adults who were free of either MS or DM at the second study visit, which took place between 1993–1995. All were assessed for lung function. At the third study visit, which occurred between 1996–1999, participants with lower lung function at the second visit were more likely to have developed MS or DM, and the findings held true even after adjustment for other factors, such as age, sex, abdominal obesity, current smoking status, physical activity index, hypertension, and the study field center. The research was published ahead of print by Diabetes Care on Aug. 18. READ ABSTRACT

COPD is Not Created Equally for All
More evidence that COPD is different for different people: Spanish researchers who followed 751 stable COPD patients in Spain and Florida for a median of 64 months find only 18% had a statistically significant FEV1 slope decline and just 14% had a statistically significant increase in the BODE index. An FEV1 slope decline was more common in patients with a higher baseline FEV1 and low body mass index. A BODE index increase was linked to more severe baseline obstruction. The BODE index change was only associated with mortality in patients without FEV1 progression. In 73% of the patients, no significant slope change was seen in either FEV1 or BODE. The authors conclude, “The progression of COPD is very heterogeneous… The multidimensional evaluation of COPD should offer insight into response to COPD management.” The research appeared ahead of print in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine on Aug. 11. READ ABSTRACT

Differentiating Between Asthma and COPD in Primary Care
Inflammatory markers may help distinguish between asthma and COPD in primary care practices where spirometry is unavailable, report German researchers who measured lung function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), blood eosinophils, and serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and IgE in 210 patients who presented with symptoms suggestive of obstructive airways disease. Results showed hs-CRP levels were increased in patients with COPD, while FENO, IgE, and eosinophils were increased in patients with asthma. The study was published ahead of print by the Primary Care Respiratory Journal on Aug. 2. READ ABSTRACT

Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy Identifies Asthma Phenotypes
A new study out of National Jewish Health has identified five mutually exclusive phenotypes of refractory asthma through the use of fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The research involved 58 difficult-to-treat asthma patients who underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy with visual scoring systems of the upper and lower airways, along with bronchoalveolar lavage, endobronchial biopsy, and brush. Based on the findings, the investigators categorized the patients in the following groups: gastroesophageal reflux, subacute bacterial infection, tissue eosinophilia, combination, and nonspecific. Personalized treatment yielded significant improvement on the Asthma Control Test and pulmonary function tests for the entire group and for all the subgroups except the nonspecific group. Thirty-four out of 35 patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux were identified via visual scoring of the supraglottic abnormalities. The study was published ahead of print by CHEST on Aug. 11. READ ABSTRACT