Study Suggests That Inhaled Steroids May Not Work Well in Overweight, Obese Patients With Asthma

According to a study published in the October issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, inhaled steroids may not work as well in patients with asthma who are overweight or obese. The study examined 33 adults with asthma. The study found that patients with asthma who were of normal weight had a better response to the steroid than did those who were overweight. The researchers said that the reason for the difference was unclear. Almost 20 million people in the United States have asthma, and approximately 50% of those are overweight or obese. For more information, see the October 2008 issue of American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.1

Center for Disease Control Data Indicate That People With HIV May Be Living Longer

Recent findings from the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that the number of people living with AIDS virus increased by 11% in the United States from 2003 to 2006. They attributed this increase to better treatments with more powerful medications. However, the Center for Disease Control expects that the number of people with HIV will continue to increase but also believes that these people will live longer as more treatments become available. There are approximately 1.1 million people living with HIV in the United States. However, many people are unaware that they are infected. The need for continued surveillance, education, and increased awareness is still present.2

Beware of Bullies

A recent report in Nursing Spectrum suggested that bullying, intimidation, condescending attitudes, and other disruptive behavior are unfortunately still occurring in healthcare. However, these types of behavior will no longer be tolerated after January 1, 2009, by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The report says that 40% of clinicians have been exposed to disruptive behaviors but have remained quiet. This contributes to an unhealthy work environment. One survey of 4,530 healthcare providers (including nurses, physicians, administrators, etc) reported that 77% of participants witnessed disruptive behavior by physicians, whereas 65% witnessed disruptive behavior by nurses. These types of behavior may be potentially harmful to patients. Therefore, the JCAHO has developed new requirements to address disruptive behaviors, such as providing education about courtesy and good interpersonal skills. Also, each organization should have a professional code of conduct. For more information about the new standards, go to http://www.jointcommission.com.

Data Indicate That Most Adults With Asthma are Awakened at Least Once a Month By Symptoms

Two recent studies revealed that 94% of adults with asthma are awakened from sleep by the symptoms of asthma at least once a month. The studies included almost 35,000 adults, aged 20 to 55 years. Women reported being awakened by cough more often than men did.3

Statins Show Promise for Blood Clot Prevention

Statins, the class of drugs commonly used for lowering cholesterol, are now showing promise in preventing deep vein thrombosis or blood clots, an affliction that occurs in nearly 2 million Americans each year. New research presented at CHEST 2008, the 74th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians, suggests that the use of statins may be associated with a significant reduction in the occurrence of venous thromboembolism, a condition that includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, in patients with solid organ tumors, including breast, lung, and colon cancers. For more information, see http://www.chestnut.org.

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