Healio's top pulmonology news from 2019: Updates in asthma, COPD, vaping-related lung injury and more

As 2019 comes to a close, the Healio Pulmonology Editors have compiled a list of the most-read articles published this year.

Our readers were interested in a new screening algorithm to predict obstructive sleep apnea in pregnant women, the outbreak of vaping-related lung injuries, new treatments and digital tech for asthma, novel therapies approved in 2019 and much more.

Childhood asthma linked to family history of cancer

Children with a family history of cancer may be more likely to develop asthma, according to research presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting. Read more

Screening algorithm accurately predicts OSA in pregnant women

A new algorithm may help screen pregnant women, particularly African American women, for obstructive sleep apnea, according to a recent study. Read more

THC products may be factor in outbreak of vaping-related lung injuries: CDC

Products containing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, may play a role in the outbreak of lung injuries associated with use of electronic cigarettes, or vaping, CDC and state public health officials announced in late September. Read more

As-needed budesonide-formoterol bests albuterol for exacerbation prevention in mild asthma

Single combination inhaler treatment with budesonide-formoterol on an as-needed basis, compared with albuterol, more than halved the risk for severe asthma attacks in patients with mild asthma, according to the results of the Novel START trial presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference. Read more

Four novel sepsis phenotypes identified

A new study has identified four clinical phenotypes of sepsis that may allow more precise therapy and improve care of critically ill patients. Read more

Occupational exposure to disinfectants may raise COPD risk

New data published in JAMA Network Open showed that the risk for COPD incidence was higher among nurses who regularly performed cleaning and disinfectant tasks. Read more

Novel therapy for IPF shows sustained long-term benefits

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treated with a recombinant human pentraxin 2 protein exhibited sustained reductions in decline of FVC and 6-minute walking distance at 76 weeks, according to data presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference and simultaneously published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. Read more

Inhaler formulary changes may worsen asthma control in children

Switching inhaler types due to insurance formulary changes may lead to reduced lung function in children with asthma, according to data presented at the CHEST Annual Meeting. Read more

ROSE: No mortality benefit with early neuromuscular blockade vs. usual care in ARDS

A strategy of early neuromuscular blockade with concomitant heavy sedation, compared with usual care, did not result in a significant mortality difference at 90 days in patients with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Read more

Study links air pollution to nine causes of death

A new study has identified nine specific causes of death that are related to exposure to ambient fine particulate matter air pollution. Read more

Triple therapy approved to treat cystic fibrosis

The FDA announced it has approved elexacaftor/ivacaftor/tezacaftor, the first triple combination therapy for patients with the most common cystic fibrosis mutation. Read more

C-reactive protein testing safely reduces antibiotic use for COPD exacerbations

The use of point-of-care testing for C-reactive protein to guide treatment lessened the use of antibiotics for COPD exacerbations without worsening clinical outcomes, according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Read more

INBUILD: Nintedanib slows progression of fibrosing ILD

When compared with placebo, nintedanib slowed the annual rate of decline in FVC in patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, researchers reported at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. Read more

Robotic bronchoscopy improves diagnostic yield for peripheral pulmonary nodules

When compared with existing technologies, robotic bronchoscopy increased the ability to localize and successfully puncture small peripheral pulmonary nodules, researchers reported. Read more

New digital inhaler receives FDA approval for patients with asthma

The FDA has approved a combination therapy digital inhaler for treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 years and older, according to a manufacturer press release. Read more