Top news of August: FDA warning letter, COPD inhaler combination outcomes
Healio has compiled the most-read news in pulmonology posted in August.
Highlights include an FDA warning letter sent to AstraZeneca for misleading claims; a study showing that one inhaler combination outperforms others in reducing COPD exacerbations; a study that linked the risk for cardiovascular disease with greater sleep apnea-related burdens; data showing that consumption of high levels of omega-3 fatty acids preserves lung function; a Q&A discussing how intubation sedatives impact patient survival and mental health; and more.
Read these and other top stories in pulmonology below:
FDA sends warning to AstraZeneca on misleading COPD therapy promotional communications
Due to misleading claims in a sales aid for Breztri Aerosphere, a triple inhaled therapy for COPD, the FDA has issued a warning letter to its manufacturer, AstraZeneca. Read more.
Inhaler combination outperforms others in reducing COPD exacerbation, cardiovascular risks
Glycopyrronium/indacaterol reduced the likelihood for severe acute exacerbations and cardiovascular events compared with tiotropium/olodaterol among patients with COPD, according to study results published in CHEST. Read more.
Sleep apnea hypoxic burden predicts cardiovascular disease, mortality
Obstructive sleep apnea-related increases in hypoxic and ventilatory burdens heightened the risk for cardiovascular disease, according to results published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Read more.
Consuming more omega-3 fatty acids preserves lung function in healthy adults
In healthy adults, higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids promoted lung health by lowering the rate of yearly lung function decline, according to results published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Read more.
Q&A: Understanding how intubation sedatives impact patient outcomes, risk for PTSD
There is a lack of evidence on how sedatives used during tracheal intubation impact patient survival and likelihood for PTSD symptoms, and researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center plan to find the answer. Read more.
Long-term smokers have respiratory symptoms not evident on spirometry
Despite normal spirometry results, some adults with more than 20 pack-years of smoking display respiratory symptoms and experience more exacerbations than asymptomatic smokers, according to results published in JAMA. Read more.
Mayo Clinic ranked No. 1 in U.S. for pulmonology and lung surgery
The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, maintained its position as No. 1 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Hospitals for pulmonology and lung surgery. Read more.
Life expectancy lengthened in recent years for patients with cystic fibrosis
Patients with cystic fibrosis had an average survival of 66 years in 2022, which is a notable increase from 26 years in 2008, according to study results from Epic Research. Read more.
Robot-guided nutrition management platform improves feeding efficacy in ICU patients
Compared with manual care for enterally fed ICU patients, a nutrition management platform guided by a robot met feeding goals more frequently and shortened stay and ventilation duration, according to results published in Clinical Nutrition. Read more.
Lower vitamin K levels linked to poor lung function, greater COPD, asthma risks
Lower vitamin K levels appeared associated with declines in lung function measures and greater risk for self-reported COPD, asthma and wheezing, according to study results published in ERJ Open Research. Read more.