Conference: American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference, May 18-23, San Diego, California, USA.
Conference Highlight: The ATS International Conference is one of the most important conferences within the area of respiratory health. It covers the latest research and findings in medical science and thoracic medicine.
Conference Summary: This conference brought together experts and researchers from areas such as sleep disorders, respiratory diseases and pulmonary rehabilitation. The primary focus of this conference was the role of sleep apnea in cardiovascular diseases. A number of presentations highlighted the latest research into the link between sleep apnea and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Featured research included studies that are determining the characteristics of those at higher risk of death and comorbidities; and those that are identifying biological markers capable of predicting sleep apnea. Both of these, ultimately, aim to contribute to the development of new strategies to improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment of sleep apnea and cardiovascular diseases.
While the aforementioned was a key focus, there were a number of sessions that also discussed the link between sleep apnea and diseases such as obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. These discussions delved into the possible physiological mechanisms behind these associations. For example, the discussions about asthma highlighted that, while mortality rates have been steadily decreasing, exacerbations are still common and more has to be done to improve the control of the disease and the quality of life of asthma patients. In pulmonary rehabilitation, the sessions highlighted the benefits of physical exercise in patients with respiratory diseases. Some studies showed how to use technology to implement respiratory rehabilitation.
Finally, a few of the sessions focused on the latest advances in the management of chronic diseases and evidence-based clinical decisions for health care professionals.
All in all, the ATS International Conference provided a unique opportunity to learn and network with researchers around the world.