Dear Doctors,

Welcome to the First Edition of the TSGQ E-Newsletter!

This is your new resource for Sleep and Thoracic medicine. Every month you will receive the latest information and research on thoracic and sleep medicine, with particular relevance to upcoming public events.

In This Issue...

This month, you will find information on:

• OSA and Cardiomyopathy
  (National Cardiomyopathy Day, 28 August, 2010)
• Sleep Disorders and Stroke
  (National Stroke Week, 13-19th September 2010)
• Asthma and FeNO Testing
  (National Asthma Week, 1-7th September 2010)

We hope you enjoy this edition and wholeheartedly welcome your feedback. You can email the editor with any feedback or suggestions for articles and news at editor@tsgq.com.au. - The Editor

Sleep News

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Cardiomyopathy

51% of male patients with stable heart failure suffer from sleep-related breathing disorders: 40% from central and 11% from obstructive sleep apnoea. Both types of sleep apnoea result in increased sympathetic activity, hypoxia, hypercapnia and pulmonary vasconstriction. As a result there is a 10-fold increased prevalence of atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias. read more

Sleep Disorders and Stroke

Stroke patients are 10 times more likely to have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea then the general population. In the rehabilitation period the presence of a sleep disorder can increase the hospitalisation period by over 40%. Functional recovery after a stroke is significantly reduced due to the repeated nocturnal hypoxic insult and reduced cerebral blood flow. read more

Thoracic News

Asthma and FeNO Testing

The fraction of expired nitric oxide (FeNO) is a test of airway eosinophilic inflammation and assists in the correct diagnosis of asthma. Recent studies demonstrate that an elevated FeNO is predictive of future disease status, ie. clinical response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs).

FeNO is useful in predicting asthma relapse, maintaining asthma control, adherence to medication, and loss of asthma control, especially in children. The clinician can titrate or withdraw therapy with ICSs based upon FeNO. read more

Come Have Your Lungs Tested At Our State-Of-The-Art Clinic

To celebrate National Asthma Week, we are welcoming 40 people into our clinic for a FREE lung function test. Click here to enquire.

Thoracic & Sleep Group News

Electronic Referral Forms Now Available For Download

Electronic referral forms are now available for our Sleep and Respiratory Services here.

These referrals are compatible with Best Practice, PractiX, Genie and Medical Director and are sent securely via Medical Objects.

Instant Access To Reports Via Secure GP Login

You can now access your Sleep and Lung Function reports through our new secure GP login. The reports will be available online immediately after the report is completed. To access your patient reports, simply login using your username (Provider Number) and password.

Not registered? Click here to sign up for your free account.

Ask A Scientist

Jade Pittard
B BioMed Sc., Grad Dip Pharm Sc.
Registered Polysomnographic Technologist

Q: I get a dry mouth and nose when I use CPAP. I have turned the humidity setting higher however this then causes me to get water in my mask during the night - should I put less water in the humidifier? How do I stop getting a dry mouth and nose but avoid any water filling up my mask and waking me up.

A: The air you breathe when using CPAP is traveling at a higher flow than if you were to just breathe air in. This is what causes your nasal passages and airways to dry up. Not surprisingly, the higher the pressure you use, the more flow is needed to maintain it and so your airways dry out more. read more...

The Wesley Lung Function Laboratory News

SAME DAY APPOINTMENT,
SAME DAY REPORTING
Please contact our office to have a referral pad sent out or download a referral here.

GUARANTEED SAME DAY REPORTING!

Phone:   (07) 3870 0858
Fax:       (07) 3870 2608
Email:    lung@tsgq.com.au

Bulk Billed Lung Function Tests:

• Spirometry
• Complicated lung function test (CO transfer and lung volumes)
• Bronchial provocation testing (Mannitol)
• 6 minute walk testing
• Allergen skin testing
• High altitude simulation testing
• Fraction Expired NO (FeNO)