Statins reduce loss of function, keeping old lungs young - even in smokers Oct 13, 2007
Both forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured ... In FEV1, statin users lost 10 ... Within each smoking group, those not taking statins were estimated to experience faster declines in FEV1 and FVC than those taking statins, wrote Dr. Schwartz, noting that the size of the effect varied a bit with smoking status. (EurekAlert!)
Menstrual irregularity linked with lung function Oct 10, 2007
Forced vital capacity, a measure of lung function, was significantly lower in women with menstrual irregularity, but there was only an insignificant association between menstrual irregularities and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). The effects of menstrual irregularity on asthma symptoms were additive to those of BMI, the researchers note in the September issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. (Scientific American)
Circulating surfactant protein D as a potential lung-specific biomarker of health outcomes in COPD: a pilot study Oct 9, 2007
At baseline, FEV1 was inversely associated with serum SPD levels (P = 0. 045) but not with CC16 (P = 0. (BioMed Central)
Keeping Lungs Young Sep 24, 2007
Measures commonly used to assess lung function include FEV1 (forced expiratory volume at 1 second - volume exhaled in the first second of a forced exhalation from maximal inhalation) and DLCO (diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide - gas exchange capacity) ... A 5-foot-5-inch white woman could be expected to have an FEV1 of 3 ... In nonsmokers, once lung function begins to decline, FEV1 decreases at a rate of 20-30 mL/year and DLCO 0. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Asthma Flares Harm Lung Function Sep 21, 2007
2 percent) experienced at least one severe asthma exacerbation -- defined as being admitted to the hospital for worsening asthma or as a significant and reversible reduction in FEV1 -- a standard measure of lung function. Decline in lung function was much more pronounced in those individuals with frequent asthma attacks relative to individuals with infrequent asthma attacks, Bai and colleagues report. (MEDLINEplus)
Asthma flares harm lung function: study Sep 20, 2007
2 percent) experienced at least one severe asthma exacerbation -- defined as being admitted to the hospital for worsening asthma or as a significant and reversible reduction in FEV1 -- a standard measure of lung function. ADVERTISEMENT (article continues below) Decline in lung function was much more pronounced in those individuals with frequent asthma attacks relative to individuals with infrequent asthma attacks, Bai and colleagues report. (Scientific American)
Flavorings-Related Lung Disease Sep 10, 2007
Also, higher cumulative exposure to diacetyl in this plant was associated with having a lower level of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), an important measure of lung function ... People who had ever worked as mixers had more chest symptoms and poorer lung function as measured by lower FEV1 than people who had never worked as mixers ... People who had worked as mixers for more than 12 months had more shortness of breath with exertion and lower FEV1 than people who had worked as mixers... (Food Consumer)
Brochiolitis Obliterans Pops Up in Home Microwave Sep 8, 2007
The man has also shown a progressive decline in one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) despite treatment with oral corticosteroids. Dr. Rose said measurements in the man's home during microwave popcorn preparation showed levels "similar" to those seen in the plant where the affected workers were first described. (MedPage Today)
Treatment For COPD May Need To Start Before Birth Sep 5, 2007
The measurements used were of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)*, forced vital capacity (FVC)*, and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF25-75)*, both before and after treatment with a bronchodilator (180 g albuterol). The researchers found that participants who were in the lowest quartile for maximum expiratory flows as infants also had lower values for FEV1,FVC, and FEF25-75 up to age 22, after adjustment for height, weight, age, and sex, as compared with those in... (Science Daily)
Dirty City Air Stunts Kids' Lungs Aug 17, 2007
They noted that the effect of air pollution on forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) -- a measure of lung function -- among children in the study was greater than the effect of exposure to mothers' smoking among children in the United States. HealthDay. (MEDLINEplus)
Sex Differences Found In COPD Aug 6, 2007
However, even after controlling for age, FEV1% predicted (a standard measure of lung function), smoking history and severity of emphysema, the researchers found that women reported more breathlessness, higher depression, lower mental health and lower overall quality of life than men. "These data showing greater breathlessness in women relative to men at similar degrees of airflow obstruction and emphysema severity imply that sex-specific anatomic differences must be considered in models of COPD... (Science Daily)
One Cannabis Joint Equals Smoking Up to Five Cigarettes Aug 1, 2007
A dose-response relationship was found between cannabis smoking and reduced forced expiratory volume (FEV1) to forced vital capacity ratio and specific airways conductance, and increased total lung capacity. For measures of airflow obstruction, one cannabis joint had a similar effect to 2. (MedPage Today)
Papworth Exercises Help Asthmatics Breathe Easier Jun 30, 2007
Secondary outcomes included scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Nijmegen dysfunctional breathing questionnaire, as well as objective measures of respiratory function, such as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) ... There were no differences in FEV1, vital capacity, forced vital capacity, or peak expiratory flow. (MedPage Today)
FDA approves Dey, L.P.'s Perforomist inhalation solution for maintenance treatment of COPD May 12, 2007
The study's results showed that Perforomist Inhalation Solution 20 mcg/2 mL taken twice daily was statistically superior to placebo for the primary endpoint, FEV1 AUC 0-12. The safety and efficacy of Perforomist Inhalation Solution observed in this study were comparable to those of Foradil. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Promising Drug Fails To Improve COPD Symptoms May 5, 2007
There were also no differences among the three groups in secondary efficacy endpoints as measured by FEV1, 6-minute walk distance, the transition dyspnea index and the number of exacerbations requiring a doctor or hospital visit. According to the authors, the results of the study were surprising for a number of reasons. (Science Daily)
May 1 is World Asthma Day May 2, 2007
- Normal (or near-normal) lung function test results (PEF and FEV1). - No (or very infrequent) asthma attacks. (Kewanee Star Courier, IL)
'Popcorn Lung' Erupts in Flavor Industry Apr 30, 2007
Spirometry showed severe obstructive lung disease, with a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of 28% of the predicted normal value ... Spirometry showed severe obstructive lung disease, with an FEV1 of 18% of the predicted normal value, without bronchodilator response ... FEV1 ranged from 17% to 44% of predicted normal value for age, height, race, and sex. (MedPage Today)
Hot Bronchi Bring a Breath of Fresh Air to Severe Asthmatics Mar 29, 2007
The patients also had airflow obstruction, defined as pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of 60% to 85% of the predicted value, and airway hyper-responsiveness, defined by a challenge dose of methacholine required to lower the FEV1 by 20% (PC20) of less than 8 mg/mL. ... There were no significant effects of bronchial thermoplasty on either FEV1 or airway hyper-responsiveness however. (MedPage Today)
Inhaled Steroids Do Not Alter Course of COPD Mar 27, 2007
While inhaled steroids do not slow the decline in FEV1 seen with COPD, Soriano cited three interventions that do: smoking cessation, lung surgery, and oxygen therapy. SOURCE: Chest, March 2007. (MEDLINEplus)
Kids' Chest Illness Not Tied to Later Lung Trouble Feb 27, 2007
Between age 35 and 45, the amount of air that could be expelled in 1 second after taking the biggest breath possible, a parameter that doctors refer to as the forced expiratory volume in 1 second, or "FEV1," fell by 35 milliliters each year. The rate of decline in lung function was not significantly affected by wheezing, pneumonia, or whooping cough in childhood. (MEDLINEplus)
Data show significant asthma control and improved lung function with Symbicort Feb 25, 2007
Bronchodilatory response was measured by the median time to achieve 15% improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) how much air a person can exhale during a forced breath in the first second of exhalation, which is a measure of how well the lungs are functioning after medication was taken. Results showed that after the first dose of treatment (day of randomization), the median time to 15% FEV1 improvement was significantly earlier (P ... Results showed SYMBICORT provided... (EurekAlert!)
MediciNova Reports 2006 Financial Results Feb 16, 2007
The primary endpoint is the change from baseline in mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1); there are a number of secondary endpoints. MN-029. (Primezone Releases)
Traffic pollution harms children's lungs - study Jan 27, 2007
Children who lived within 500 meters of a freeway or motorway had substantial deficits in eight-year growth of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), 81 ML less than that in children who lived at least 1,500 meters away from a freeway, the researchers found ... In addition, at age 18, children who lived within 500 m of a freeway had pronounced deficits in attained lung function with mean percent-predicted 97 0 percent for FEV1 relative to that for those who lived 1,500 m or farther away from a... (Food Consumer)
Living Near a Busy Highway Impedes Children's Lung Growth Jan 27, 2007
Residential proximity to freeway traffic was associated with smaller eight-year increases in FEV1 and maximum midexpiratory flow rate (MMEF), which translated into pronounced deficits in percent-predicted lung function at age 18, the researchers said ... For example, children who lived within 500 meters of a freeway had substantial decreases in eight-year growth of forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1-81 mL, P=0 ... The association between FEV1 growth and distance to a freeway was significant in... (MedPage Today)
Statins may reduce lung damage from smoking Nov 4, 2006
" Statins seem to affect inflammation and to benefit the lining of blood vessels and capillaries, called the epithelium. Younis and colleagues studied 182 current smokers and 303 former smokers who were on average in their mid-60s. All had taken at least two pulmonary function tests between 18 and 30 months apart. Of the 485 patients, 319 had obstructive lung disease, 99 had restrictive lung disease, 67 had normal lung function and 238 had been taking statin drugs. Breathing capacity tests... (Xinhuanet, China)
Bronchial Thermoplasty Reduces Asthma Attacks Oct 27, 2006
At study entry, the patients had FEV1 levels between 60 and 80 percent of normal. FEV1 (forced expiration volume in 1 second) is a test commonly used to assess lung function ... FEV1 was measured at each evaluation. (MEDLINEplus)
Statin Use Slows Lung Function Decline In Smokers And Former Smokers Oct 25, 2006
Over the study follow-up period, the decline in FEV1 was 12. 8 percent in the control group and 2. (Science Daily)
Statins Good for Smokers' Lungs Oct 25, 2006
The researchers measured FEV1 -- the amount of air that a person could expel from the lungs in one second. According to the researchers, the 238 participants who took statins experienced a decline in FEV1 of 2. (MEDLINEplus)
Study: Statin Drugs May Protect Smokers' Lungs Oct 24, 2006
Breathing capacity tests showed that patients not taking statins lost more on two measures of lung function - forced expiratory volume in 1 second or FEV1 and forced vital capacity or FVC.. Statin patients saw FEV1 fall by 2. (Newsmax)
Reduced Lung Function at Birth and Asthma at 10 Years of Age Oct 19, 2006
0 mol causing a 20% fall in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (9 ... 01) but not with FEV1 or forced vital capacity. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Smoking Ban a Breath of Fresh Air For Bar Workers Oct 12, 2006
Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) increased from 96. 6% predicted before the smoke-out began, to 104. (MedPage Today)
Apples 'protect the lungs' Sep 3, 2006
The researchers measured the ability to breathe out sharply using a special test called an FEV1. This study highlights a new way that people can potentially protect their lungs. (BBC News -- Health)
Anger And Hostility Speed Up Decline In Lung Power Sep 1, 2006
Each point increase in hostility score was associated with a loss of FEV1 -- the volume of air that can be forced out of the lungs in one second, and a measure of lung power -- of 9 ml a year compared with men whose hostility levels were lower. The authors point out that hostility and anger have been associated with cardiovascular disease, death, and asthma, and that previous research has suggested that changes in mood can have short term effects on the lungs. (Science Daily)
'Anger Leaves You Old And Out Of Breath' Aug 31, 2006
Each point increase in the hostility score was associated with a loss of FEV1 the volume of air that can be forced out of the lungs in one second, and a measure of lung power of 9 ml a year compared with men whose hostility levels were lower. The study covered men aged from 45 to 86, with an average age of 62. (Life Style Extra)
Out of Date Data? Aug 4, 2006
The new study reported that in the year following the Sept. 11, 2001 World Trade Center collapse, rescue workers experienced, on average, a 9 percent decrease in lung function as measured by forced expiratory volume (FEV1). Based on measurements taken prior to the Sept. 11 attacks, the average FEV1 for rescue workers was already 6 ... One year after the attacks, the average FEV1 was 15. (Fox News)
World Trade Center Dust Cuts Lung Function Capability In Rescue Workers Aug 3, 2006
"A single, massive exposure to an irritant is not the only route to irritant-induced asthma since multiple, submassive exposures to WTC dust appear to have caused the syndrome in WTC responders. Such exposures now also appear to have caused accelerated decline in lung function, which suggests that this cohort is also at risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Continued longitudinal followup of the cohort will be necessary to determine whether the early evidence of... (Science Daily)
Quitting Smoking Helps Asthma Patients Jul 15, 2006
After one week of not smoking, scores on that same lung function test called FEV1 began to improve. The gains continued for six weeks for the new nonsmokers. (CBS News)
A pilot trial on safety and efficacy of erythrocyte-mediated steroid treatment in Cystic Fibrosis patients May 24, 2006
Patients entered the study if they had a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) <70%, puberty development completed, pancreatic insufficiency, and chronic pulmonary infection requiring frequent cycles of intravenous antibiotic therapy ... There was a constant improvement of FEV1 in patients undergoing the experimental treatment compared to a gradual decrease of the same parameter in the standard therapy group (P=0. (BioMed Central)
Spiriva Improved Lung Function in COPD Patients of African Descent May 22, 2006
A common measure of lung function, FEV1 is the forced expiratory volume in one second, or the volume of air exhaled in one second after taking a deep breath ... (1) More specifically, estimated average FEV1 after drug administration was 180 milliliters greater in Spiriva patients versus those treated with placebo as compared to baseline. (PR Newswire)
Hypertonic Saline for Cystic Fibrosis Apr 27, 2006
Elkins et al. report a fall of 94 ml in the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) after the first dose of medication, which is greater than the reported final improvement in FEV1 of 68 ml. Conversely, Donaldson et al. do not specify any change in FEV1 with the use of 7 percent hypertonic saline. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Antibiotic Eases Symptoms in Acute Asthma Attacks Apr 15, 2006
However, a treatment benefit from baseline to the end of treatment was observed for four in-clinic assessments of pulmonary function: FEV1, peak expiratory flow (in clinic), FVC, and FEF25-75 ... However, he continued, the improvement in FEV1 during the treatment period in the Ketek group was the same whether the patients met the criteria for infection or not. (MedPage Today)
Short-term yoga training expands breathing and lung capacity in young, healthy adults Apr 5, 2006
forced expiratory volume (FEV1) ... FEV1 is the amount of air a person can forcibly blow out in one second, and is one of the most important indexes of lung function, Chanavirut said ... The researchers found that the volunteers who did yoga over the six-week period significantly improved their chest wall expansion at all three measurement points, and also showed significantly better forced expiratory volume (FEV1, FEV25-75%,) and forced vital capacity (FVC). (EurekAlert!)
Beta-Carotene May Help Keep Lungs Young Mar 31, 2006
Lung function was gauged with an FEV1 score -- the amount of air a person can forcefully exhale in one second. Overall, the researchers found, men and women with higher blood levels of beta-carotene at the study's start showed a smaller dip FEV1 scores over the next 8 years. (MEDLINEplus)
Steroids Slow Decline in Lung Function in Asthma Feb 15, 2006
The researchers measured forced expiratory volume in one second, an indicator of lung capacity (FEV1) annually over a 10-year period. Lange reports that decline in FEV1 was 25 mL/year in those on inhaled steroids and 51 mL/year in asthmatics not on inhaled steroid therapy. (MEDLINEplus)
