Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pulmonology for April 2012. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Sleep of Short Duration Common in U.S. Workers
THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- A substantial proportion of workers in the United States get less sleep than recommended by the National Sleep Foundation, according to a report published in the April 27 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report.
Full Text
Long-Term Air Pollution Linked to Multiple Diseases
THURSDAY, April 19 (HealthDay News) -- Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter in the air increases hospital admissions for respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and diabetes in the elderly considerably more than short-term exposure does, according to a study published online April 17 in PLoS One.
Full Text
Alternative Medicine Doesn't Affect Asthma Care in Children
TUESDAY, April 10 (HealthDay News) -- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is not associated with adherence to pediatric asthma treatment, according to a study published online April 9 in Pediatrics.
Abstract
Full Text
Insurers Should Screen Older Smokers for Lung Cancer
TUESDAY, April 10 (HealthDay News) -- Lung cancer screening with low-dose spiral computed tomography could be of substantial value in high-risk smoker populations over the age of 50, and commercial insurers should consider providing coverage for the screening, according to a study published in the April issue of Health Affairs.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Evidence Lacking for Sleep Length, Energy Metabolism Link
MONDAY, April 9 (HealthDay News) -- Short sleep duration may affect total daily energy expenditure or directly affect energy metabolism, although more study is required, according to a review published online March 22 in Obesity Reviews.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Low Blood Adiponectin Predicts Future Asthma Risk in Women
FRIDAY, April 6 (HealthDay News) -- Middle-aged women with low blood adiponectin levels are about twice as likely to develop asthma, particularly if they smoke, according to a study published online April 6 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Asbestos Exposure Linked to Cardiovascular Death
THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Occupational exposure to asbestos is associated with a higher risk of dying of cardiovascular disease, according to a study published online April 2 in Occupational & Environmental Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Medical Malpractice Claims Incur Substantial Defense Costs
WEDNESDAY, April 4 (HealthDay News) -- Defense costs for medical malpractice claims vary among specialties and are higher for claims that result in indemnity payments, according to a letter published in the April 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Full Text
Diagnostic Coding May Skew Pneumonia Outcomes Data
WEDNESDAY, April 4 (HealthDay News) -- The decline in pneumonia-related hospitalizations and associated inpatient deaths seen in 2003 to 2009 may be a result of diagnostic coding, rather than an actual improvement in outcomes, according to a study published in the April 4 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Fluoroquinolone Use Linked to Retinal Detachment
TUESDAY, April 3 (HealthDay News) -- The use of the oral fluoroquinolone antibiotics is associated with an increased risk of retinal detachment, although the absolute risk is small, according to a study published in the April 4 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Sleep Apnea, Snorting Linked to Probable Major Depression
TUESDAY, April 3 (HealthDay News) -- Sleep apnea and frequent snorting/stopping breathing during sleep, but not snoring, are associated with probable major depression, according to a study published in the April issue of SLEEP.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
