News Tips From the Journals of the American Thoracic Society

News Tips From the Journals of the American Thoracic Society, (ATS)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Chris Shepherd, ATS
212 315-6441

WEIGHT GAIN IN EX-SMOKERS IMPAIRS LUNG FUNCTION

Analyzing data from the large Lung Health Study, investigators found that weight gain after smoking cessation did affect lung function but the benefits of quitting still outweighted any damage. They also found that in the 5,000 cases study weight gain was worse in men than women. The data from the study was acquired from the multicentered randomized intervention trial that was carried out in 10 U.S. states and Canandian communities.

STANDARD THERAPY FOR SLEEP DISORDERS NOT BEING USED ON PATIENTS WHO COULD BENEFIT

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a syndrome associated with repetitive stoppage of respiration (apneas) during sleep and affects up to 4 percent of the U.S. middle aged population. It has been associated with harmful daytime sleepiness and with occupational and driving risks. The use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been well recognized as a beneficial therapy for those with severe sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), but for those with mild to moderate conditions there has not been consensus. Now, new findings from the largest randomized study of its kind prompt researchers to claim that the use of CPAP should be more widespread.

Rsearchers in Cleveland studied 97 patients with mild SDB. Forty-six received conserative therapy which included counsel about sleep hapits, weight gain, and the use of sedatives and stimulants. Fifty-one patients received the same counsel plus CPAP. Those treated with CPAP showed a two-fold improvement.

INDOOR ALLERGENS MORE IMPORTANT AS A DIRECT CAUSE OF ASTHMA THAN OUTDOOR

In a study of 124 twins, Australian researchers checked skin test sensitization to such allergens as cockroaches, cat and dog fur, and house dust mixtures, grasses and molds. Sixty-two identical twins and 62 fraternal twins participated in the study. Investigators found that for urban asthmatics indoor allergens such as house dust, cat hairs, and cockroach particles are directly causative of asthma whereas response to outdoor allergens tend to be more an accidental occurence during an asthma attack which is related to a genetic predisposition.

For the complete text of these journal articles, call Chris Shepherd, ATS, at 212 315-6441 or fax her at 212 315-6456.