News from virtual ERS: Novel inhaled therapies, long-term COVID-19 follow-up and more

The Healio editors have compiled a list of the most-read pulmonology news from the recent virtual European Respiratory Society International Congress.

Highlights from the virtual meeting including the later-life impact of childhood bronchitis, gefapixant for refractory or unexplained chronic cough and the benefit of inhaled molgramostim in autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Other presentations focused on persisting pulmonary impairment in COVID-19 survivors, short-course oral dexamethasone in patients with community-acquired pneumonia and asthma prescribing based on genetic differences.

Read these articles, and others, below, in no particular order.

Childhood bronchitis may predict worse lung health in middle age

Adults who had childhood bronchitis were more likely to receive a diagnosis of pneumonia or asthma later in life, according to new research. Read more

Gefapixant reduces cough frequency in refractory, unexplained chronic cough

Treatment with gefapixant (Merck), a P2X3 receptor antagonist, reduced cough frequency and cough-related quality of life in patients with refractory or unexplained chronic cough, according to results of two phase 3 trials. Read more

Chemicals in e-cigarettes may form toxic compounds

Flavorings combine with solvents in electronic cigarettes to produce unstable chemicals that may cause respiratory effects in users, researchers reported. Read more

Study highlights need for structured follow-up of COVID-19 survivors

COVID-19 survivors have persisting pulmonary impairment weeks after recovery, but for many it appears to improve over time. Read more

Inhaled molgramostim shows benefit in autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

In patients with autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, daily administration of inhaled molgramostim for 24 weeks had beneficial effects on pulmonary gas transfer and functional health status compared with placebo. Read more

Prescribing based on genetic differences shows benefit in children, teens with asthma

Personalized medicine with genotype-based prescribing of asthma controller medication led to improvement quality of life for young people with asthma compared with standard care, according to new research. Read more

Dexamethasone reduces length of stay, ICU admission in patients with pneumonia

Oral dexamethasone reduced length of stay and ICU admissions in adults with community-acquired pneumonia. Read more

Tobramycin inhalation solution a treatment option for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

In the BATTLE trial, patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis assigned tobramycin inhalation solution once daily had a nonsignificant decrease in number of exacerbations compared with placebo. Read more

Fetal exposure to heavy metals linked to childhood asthma, allergies

Exposure to cadmium in the womb may impact the development of asthma and allergic diseases in childhood. Read more

Switching from PDE5 inhibitors to riociguat confers benefit in intermediate-risk PAH

Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension at intermediate risk who switched from phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors to riociguat experienced clinical improvement at 24 weeks in the REPLACE study. Read more

Electronic alert may reduce excessive prescribing of short-acting asthma relievers

An automatic electronic computer alert for general practitioners helped identify and reduce excessive prescribing of short-acting beta agonists for patients with asthma. Read more

Dupilumab long-term data show sustained improvement in moderate to severe asthma

Long-term treatment with dupilumab (Dupixent, Sanofi/Regeneron) shows sustained improvement in lung function and reduction in severe exacerbations in patients with moderate to severe asthma, according to new results from a phase 3, open-label extension trial. Read more