ATS 2021

Highlights from the 2021 American Thoracic Society (ATS), May 14 – 19.

Women Receive Treatment Later Than Do Men for Interstitial Lung Disease

Presenter: Deborah Assayag, MD

Men are more likely than women to receive earlier treatment for interstitial lung disease (ILD), and this gender difference affects survival outcomes.

New Biologic Significantly Reduces Asthma Exacerbations Requiring Hospitalization

Presenter: Arnaud Bourdin, MD

The new biologic therapy tezepelumab significantly reduced exacerbations requiring hospital stays and emergency department (ED) visits for adults and adolescents with severe, uncontrolled asthma.

"Race Correction" Impacts Pulmonary Function Testing Interpretation Among Black Patients

Presenter: Alexander Moffett, MD

Removing “race correction” from the interpretation of pulmonary function test (PFT) results shows black patients have a significantly higher prevalence and severity of lung disease.

Diesel Exhaust Has Limited Effect on Lung Function in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Presenter: Nafeez Syed

Fumes from diesel exhaust do not affect the lung function of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) any more than healthy individuals.

E-Cigarette Use Leads to Wheezing and Shortness of Breath in Young Adults

Presenter: Alayna P. Tackett, PhD

Young adults and adolescents who use e-cigarettes are at increased risk of wheezing and shortness of breath, even if they do not smoke cigarettes or marijuana.

CPAP Protects Against Cardiac Events in Non-sleepy Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Presenter: Ali Azarbarzin, PhD

An elevated pulse rate in heart patients with non-sleepy obstructive sleep apnea may lead to serious cardiac events, but continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy provides protection against adverse cardiovascular outcomes.