American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Mar 2021
Pharmacotherapy and Lung Function Decline in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review.
Rationale: Whether pharmacological therapy alters decline in FEV1 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remains controversial. Because pharmacotherapy improves health status, exacerbation rate, and symptoms, it may be unethical to complete placebo-controlled long-term studies aimed at modifying FEV1 decline. Objectives: We conducted a systematic review of placebo-controlled pharmacological trials lasting ≥1 year to address the question of whether therapy alters FEV1 decline. ⋯ Conclusions: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pharmacotherapy ameliorates rate of lung function decline. The relative benefit observed is within the range of those reported for health status and exacerbations in the same studies. Guidelines should be adjusted according to these findings.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Mar 2021
Comparative StudyEndotypic Mechanisms of Successful Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Rationale: Approximately one-third of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treated with hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) therapy are incomplete responders, despite careful patient selection based on baseline characteristics and drug-induced sleep endoscopy. Objectives: Here we use polysomnographic endotyping to assess the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying favorable versus incomplete responses to HGNS therapy. Methods: Baseline polysomnography data of the STAR (Stimulation Therapy for Apnea Reduction) trial were included. ⋯ Conclusions: Favorable responses to HGNS therapy are associated with the pathophysiological traits causing OSA, particularly a higher arousal threshold. Along with established criteria, individuals with favorable traits could potentially be prioritized for precision HGNS therapy. This analysis was a secondary analysis of the STAR trial registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01161420).
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Mar 2021
Research Priorities for Patients with Heart Failure and Central Sleep Apnea. An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement.
Background: Central sleep apnea (CSA) is common among patients with heart failure and has been strongly linked to adverse outcomes. However, progress toward improving outcomes for such patients has been limited. The purpose of this official statement from the American Thoracic Society is to identify key areas to prioritize for future research regarding CSA in heart failure. ⋯ A statement summarizing the findings of the group was subsequently authored using input from all members. Results: The workgroup identified 11 specific research priorities in several key areas: 1) control of breathing and pathophysiology leading to CSA, 2) variability across individuals and over time, 3) techniques to examine CSA pathogenesis and outcomes, 4) impact of device and pharmacological treatment, and 5) implementing CSA treatment for all individualsConclusions: Advancing care for patients with CSA in the context of heart failure will require progress in the arenas of translational (basic through clinical), epidemiological, and patient-centered outcome research. Given the increasing prevalence of heart failure and its associated substantial burden to individuals, society, and the healthcare system, targeted research to improve knowledge of CSA pathogenesis and treatment is a priority.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Mar 2021
Editorial Comparative StudyRisk Stratification in PAH: Do Not Forget the Patient Perspective!