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Antibiotics do not improve survival in patients with viral infections
Researchers analyzed over 2,100 patients hospitalized with respiratory infections between 2017 and 2021. They found that patients who received antibiotics were at two times higher risk of dying within 30 days than those who did not receive antibiotics. Also, sicker patients with other existing health conditions were more likely to receive antibiotics and die.
Twitter @drklausner
Using montelukast in pregnancy not tied to neuro disorders in kids
A study found no significant link between prenatal usage of leukotriene-receptor antagonists and ADHD and Tourette syndrome in offspring. Also, the duration of use ( 1 to 4 weeks or more than 4 weeks) and cumulative dose (1 to 170 mg vs more than 170 mg) of these drugs during pregnancy were not linked to ASD, Tourette syndrome, and ADHD in offspring.
Twitter @JAMANetworkOpen
Pulmonary function of people could predict frailty
A study revealed that forced expiratory volume 1 and forced vital capacity measure with spirometry were linked to frailty prevalence, hospitalization, and death, where lower pulmonary function increased the risk of frailty, death and hospitalization in adults. The cut-off points of pulmonary functions increased these risks irrespective of the presence of pulmonary disease.
Twitter @Mstg_Okamura
GSK's RSV vaccine gets the green signal from the FDA panel
The advisory committee of the FDA has unanimously voted in favour of the effectiveness of GSK's RSV vaccine. The vaccine can be used in adults aged 60 and older to prevent lower respiratory tract infections. The late-stage trial showed that the vaccine was 82.6% effective against infections. The rival RSV vaccine from Pfizer was 66.7% effective in a similar trial.
US News
Sedatives could be risky in patients with respiratory conditions
Medication-driven hypoventilation or sedation episodes are frequently overlooked as reasons for acute exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, as per a study. Drugs like antipsychotics and opioids should be prescribed with cautious dose reduction in these patients, or alternative treatments should be suggested.
Twitter @LancetRespirMed
Is COVID-19 deadlier than the flu?
A study on over 5000 patients from Switzerland compared hospitalizations and in-hospital outcomes due to COVID-19 and other airway infections like flu. It found that the Omicron variant was 1.5 times more likely to cause death than influenza in hospitals. These findings could help physicians assess the burden of Omicron variant infections in hospitalized patients.
Becker's Healthcare
FDA says its recall of respiratory devices is the most serious
Philips' respiratory ventilators were recalled due to the potential dangers of degrading foam that becomes toxic and possibly causes cancer. FDA classified this recall as most serious as these devices could cause injuries or death by reducing airflow and contamination. The devices, which are used by both children and adults, are associated with 82 complaints till January.
Pharma Live
PET scan shows greater lung damage with E-cigarettes than cigarettes
People using e-cigarettes had greater lung inflammation than those smoking cigarettes or never smoked, as per a study that used a novel radiotracer, 18F-NOS. People using e-cigarettes and cigarette smokers overexpressed the enzyme iNOS. It is linked to chronic and acute inflammatory diseases, making it a relevant target for studying lung inflammation.
Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Serious lung infection-causing fungi are widespread in the US
Histoplasmosis caused by Histoplasma fungi, Coccidioidomycosis caused by Coccidioides fungi, and blastomycosis caused by Blastomyces are becoming common in the US, as per reports. Climate changes could be the reason behind these fungi becoming widespread across the country. Researchers suggest doctors look at updated maps while diagnosing these infections.
Science News
FDA approves a new drug for treating KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC
Adagrasib (Krazati, Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.) is a RAS GTPase inhibitor indicated for adults who received prior systemic therapy. It received accelerated approval due to its duration of response and overall response rate. The mutations should be detected by FDA-approved tests - Agilent Resolution ctDx FIRST Assay (plasma) and QIAGEN therascreen KRAS RGQ PCR kit (tissue).
FDA
