Spirometry
Suspected bronchiectasis linked to high mortality risk regardless of lung function
Fulfilling criteria for suspected bronchiectasis raised the risk for all-cause mortality among adults with a smoking history, even if they had normal lung function, according to results published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
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.
Fixed-ratio spirometry misses COPD diagnoses in African American patients
A fixed-ratio criteria of FEV1/FVC less than 0.7 for COPD resulted in fewer diagnoses in African American vs. non-Hispanic white individuals, according to results published in Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Obesity associated with worse oscillometry-defined small airway dysfunction in asthma
Patients with both asthma and obesity had significantly worse small airway dysfunction as defined by oscillometry compared with patients who did not have obesity, according to a study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Race-specific spirometry interpretation may negatively bias care for Black patients
Using a race-specific equation to interpret lung function of patients waiting for a lung transplant may result in racial bias of transplant allocation, according to study results published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
‘CFTR dysfunction may be a lot more common’ in healthy young adults
WASHINGTON — Among healthy young adults, 28% had intermediate sweat chloride levels, with lung function measures similar to those with normal levels, according to a poster presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference.
Telemedicine expands reach of asthma practices
SAN ANTONIO — Providers can use telemedicine to engage patients with asthma who face obstacles in access to care remotely, according to data presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting.
Digital biomarkers signal potential for trials, clinical care in pediatric lung disease
Digital biomarkers derived from portable spirometers and smartwatches show promise as candidate endpoints for use in clinical trials or clinical care of pediatric asthma and cystic fibrosis, researchers reported.
Emphysema often present before abnormal spirometry, particularly in Black men
Emphysema is often present before spirometry findings become abnormal, with disproportionate rates seen in Black men, according to new findings published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
COPD misclassification common in older adults
Among older adults, COPD misclassification is high and is associated with higher respiratory symptom burden, health care utilization and lower physical performance, compared with the general population, researchers reported.