CHEST 2006 Abstract Briefs: Obesity
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Asthma May Be Overdiagnosed in Obese Patients
(Monday, October 23, 2006, 4:30 PM EST)
A new study reveals that, despite lack of evidence, obese patients are often diagnosed with asthma. Researchers at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey studied 20 patients, all of whom had a diagnosis of asthma, but none of whom exhibited any spirometric evidence of airway obstruction. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and bronchoprovocations tests were performed. In all, 90 percent of patients had an above-normal BMI. Of that, 61 percent were nonreactive to methacholine, suggesting an overdiagnosis of asthma in obese patients. Researchers suggest bronchoprovocation testing should be considered in such patients.
Obese Children More Likely To Be Admitted for Asthma
(Tuesday, October 24, 2006, 4:30 PM EST)
A new study reveals that obese children with asthma are significantly more likely to be admitted to the hospital for acute asthma exacerbations than their non-obese counterparts. Researchers from the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center conducted a retrospective chart review of 813 children over the age of two, who presented to the emergency department with asthma exacerbations. Twenty-seven percent were admitted to the hospital, and four percent to the intensive care unit. Of the children classified as obese, 34 percent were admitted to the hospital, compared with 25 percent of the non-obese children. The obese children were also more likely to be older and live in an impoverished area.
Obesity Associated With Bloodstream Infection Survival
(Wednesday, October 25, 2006, 2:30 PM EST)
Bloodstream infections have a high mortality rate among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, a new study shows that obese patients may have a survival advantage in this condition. The relationship between body mass index (BMI), survival, and hospital outcomes was evaluated in 183 critically ill patients with bloodstream infections. Researchers from Geisinger Medical Center grouped patients by their BMI ranges and made between-group comparisons for survival with hospital discharge. Researchers found that 38 percent of patients died during hospitalization. Of those who survived, obese patients were shown to have increased survival, compared with non-obese patients. Researchers concluded that the response to bloodstream infections in obese patients might lead to development of effective treatment for patients of all body types.
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