Top news of April: Non-prescription portable oxygen concentrators, DreamStation recall

Healio has compiled the most-read news in pulmonology posted in April.

Highlights include a study showing that nonprescription portable oxygen concentrators may not be helpful for those who need ambulatory oxygen; the FDA’s class I recall of Philips Respironics DreamStation devices; the FDA’s approval of cystic fibrosis triple therapy for children aged 2 to 5 years; several FDA clearances for triage and notification findings on chest X-ray and head CT images; a study showing that maternal and newborn exposures to extreme ambient temperature are linked to worse lung capacity in babies; and more.

Read these and other top stories in pulmonology below:

Non-prescription portable oxygen concentrators may not be ‘clinically useful’

For patients who need ambulatory oxygen, over-the-counter portable oxygen concentrators sold online that do not require a prescription may not be helpful, according to study results published in Respiratory Care. Read more.

FDA designates Philips Respironics DreamStation recall as class I

The FDA has designated Philips Respironics’ recall of DreamStation devices as a class I recall, the most serious kind. Read more.

FDA approves Trikafta for children aged 2 to 5 years with cystic fibrosis

The FDA has expanded use of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor for children aged 2 to 5 years with cystic fibrosis with certain mutations, according to a press release from Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Read more.

FDA grants 510(k) clearances to triage, notification findings on chest, head imaging

The FDA has granted 510(k) clearances to seven triage and notification findings of varying conditions on chest X-ray and head CT images, according to a press release from Annalise.ai. Read more.

Hot, cold temperature exposure before, after birth related to infant lung function

Maternal and newborn exposures to long-term hot and cold temperatures are linked to worse lung capacity in babies, specifically in girls, according to study results published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.

FDA grants premarket approval to diaphragm pacing system

Synapse Biomedical has received premarket approval from the FDA for its NeuRx Diaphragm Pacing System, which aids adults with spinal cord injuries that require ventilation to breathe, according to a company press release. Read more.

Navigating the albuterol shortage for patients with asthma

In late October 2022, the FDA declared a shortage of albuterol sulfate inhalation solution 0.5%, and as of early April the shortage is still in effect, according to the administration’s website. Read more.

Less frequent coughs linked to increased risk for intubation, death in COVID-19 patients

Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who coughed 3.4 times per hour or less based on digital cough monitoring faced a greater risk for intubation or death, according to study results published in Journal of Biomedical Informatics. Read more.

Higher risk for tuberculosis diagnosis with wildfire smoke exposure

Heightened odds for a tuberculosis diagnosis were related to exposure to ambient air pollution that contained wildfire smoke, according to results published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Read more.

Inhaled corticosteroids lower risk for all-cause mortality in patients with COPD

Patients with COPD treated with inhaled corticosteroids for more than 6 months had a decreased risk for all-cause mortality, according to study results published in CHEST. Read more.