Industry News and Topics

CPAPSupplyUSA.com launches new section for CPAP and Sleep Apnea Education

ttillman — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:06:25 GMT

Industry experts fear CPAP compliance may be compromised because of lack of educational materials and instructional resources. CPAP patients don't know where to obtain the information they need for proper treatment. One Internet retailer steps in to fill the void.

Richmond, VA (PRWEB) June 2, 2008 -- For CPAP Supply USA, it is no surprise that CPAP patients are not always compliant in their therapy and are not always receiving the best therapy available. Over the last four years, they have spoken with, emailed, and held live chat conversations with thousands of patients diagnosed with sleep apnea that just don't know how to use their CPAP machines, when to replace disposable parts, and how to know when a CPAP mask is fitted properly. Although general levels of compliance are rising, the need for more informed patients is clear...

Time and time again, we are questioned on replacement schedules, cleaning advice, fitting concerns, and proper travel care.

Study finds that obstructive sleep apnea causes earlier death in stroke patients

ttillman — Mon, 26 May 2008 18:09:08 GMT

Study finds that obstructive sleep apnea causes earlier death in stroke patients

Stroke victims who have obstructive sleep apnea die sooner than stroke victims who do not have sleep apnea or who have central sleep apnea, according to Swedish researchers, who will present their findings at the American Thoracic Society’s 2008 International Conference in Toronto on Monday, May 19.

Full Story: http://www.physorg.com/news130387584.html

F&P posts a 30 percent fall in annual net profit...

ttillman — Mon, 26 May 2008 18:06:10 GMT

WELLINGTON, May 21 - New Zealand medical equipment manufacturer Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Ltd. on Wednesday posted a 30 percent fall in annual net profit as a high currency eroded growth in sales.

F&P Healthcare, which makes products to treat breathing disorders and patient warmers, announced a net profit after tax of NZ$35.3 million for the year ended March 31, compared with NZ$50.5 million a year earlier.

A survey of nine analysts by Reuters estimates had forecast a net profit of NZ$34.8 million.

April the company cut its forecast for full year operating profit by 16 percent to NZ$58 million because of the stronger currency.

The top-10 stock closed on Tuesday at NZ$2.76, having traded between NZ$2.50 and NZ$3.70 over the past 12 months.

It declared an unchanged final dividend of seven cents per share.

The company, created from the split of New Zealand manufacturing icon Fisher & Paykel Industries in 2001, is based in New Zealand but derives 65 percent of revenue from the U.S., where it competes with Respironics Inc and ResMed Inc .

Original Source: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20080520/tbs-f-phealthcare-results-7318940.html

Truckers may be exposed to new guidelines...

ttillman — Mon, 26 May 2008 18:01:46 GMT

You can't rest easy when you have sleep apnea. It's a narrowing or closing of the airway that disrupts sleep, at times making you wake up completely.

Rex Patty, ARNP with Stormont-Vail WorkCare, says people with sleep apnea are continually having their sleep cycle interupted, so when they wake up in the morning, they're tired throughout the day and may even fall asleep.

Commercial truck drivers are attracting particular attention on the issue. Some estimates say 28-percent of them may be affected by sleep apnea, compared to four-percent of the general population. Patty says no one knows for sure why that may be, but one reason may be age. A lot of drivers are older, and sleep apnea risk goes up with age. Another reason may be size.

Patty says the tope three reasons for sleep apnea are "obesity, obesity, and obesity." He says driving is a sedentary-type job, so drivers don't get the exercise they need. They're also often eating in fast food restaurants so they don't get proper nutrition. He says that can lead to obesity and they develop sleep apnea.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is proposing new guidelines that would make drivers meeting certain criteria be evaluated for sleep apnea in order to get their license. The thought is undiagnosed cases are leading to wrecks on the road. The DOT estimates of the 146,700 large truck accidents in 2006, 13-percent were related to fatigue. In Kansas, there were 1,471 large truck crashes, with 191 related to fatigue.

If a driver is diagnosed with sleep apnea, he or she would need one week of treatment, usually with a machine called "CPAP," in order to get their license. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. Patty says one report on drivers who used the CPAP machine found the truckers saying they never realized they'd been so tired. He says they weren't tired, were more alert and were better drivers.

However, the idea isn't without controversy. Patty says a big question is who would pay for the screening and potential treatment. He says the cost of a sleep study to diagnose the condition and a CPAP machine can run upwards of $4000.

It could be six months or more before the DOT makes a final decision on the guidelines.

Original Source: http://www.wibw.com/localnews/headlines/19196649.html
Reporter: Melissa Brunner

Sleep Apnea Severity Increases in Pregnancy

kperkins — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:52:30 GMT

Severity of Sleep Apnea may increase during pregnancy Press Release – Associated Professionals Sleep Societies

Women in the third trimester of pregnancy may experience an increase in the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and associated blood pressure levels, according to a study in the journal Sleep.

The study shows that the severity of OSA is much higher in women during late pregnancy than it is after they have given birth. This includes an increased number of pauses in breathing, reduced oxygen saturation levels, and approximately two times as many arousals from sleep.

While results also show that overall blood pressure levels during sleep are only moderately elevated in late pregnancy, these levels fluctuate severely due to the cycles of pauses in breathing. “Physicians currently have the tendency to believe that pregnancy is protective against the development of OSA and are therefore less likely to consider symptoms that are indicative of sleep-disordered breathing,” says Dr. Edwards, “and this increased level of OSA during pregnancy may remain undiagnosed.”

Sleep Apnea Risks

ttillman — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:07:11 GMT

Sleep apnea risks

Monday, May 5, 2008

Sleep apnea can put surgical patients at high risk for respiratory complications during and after surgery. But of the 2 percent to 26 percent of Americans with the condition, some 80 percent of men and 93 percent of women don't know it.

Anesthesiology researchers have developed a scoring system, published in the May journal Anesthesiology, to identify obstructive sleep apnea sufferers quickly before surgery. The disorder, characterized by loud snoring, puts people at risk of heart attack, irregular heart rhythm, diabetes and traffic accidents.

The researchers found that four simple questions can identify likely apnea sufferers: Do you snore loudly? Do you often feel tired, fatigued or sleepy during daytime? Has anyone observed you stop breathing during sleep? Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?

A "yes" to two questions ranks the patient as high risk for sleep apnea, says anesthesiologist Frances Chung, study lead author: "This patient may need to be monitored for oxygen saturation after surgery and may need more nursing care," or, for minor surgery, newer and shorter-acting anesthetic.

http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/may/05/hsflash39498/

ResMed Inc. Provides 3Q FY 2008 Results for 31 March 2008

ttillman — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:02:17 GMT

ResMed Inc. Provides 3Q FY 2008 Results for 31 March 2008
Friday May 2, 2008, 8:44 am

Original Announcement: 3Q FY 2008 Results For P/E March 31, 2008

ResMed Inc. announced revenue and income results for the quarter ended 31 March 2008. Revenue for the quarter was US$211.8m, a 16% increase over the quarter ended 31 March 2007. For the current quarter, income from operations and net income were US$37.4m and US$29.7m, respectively. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended 31 March 2008 was US$0.38. Net income and diluted earnings per share both increased by 12% compared to the quarter ended 31 March 2007, excluding voluntary product recall expenses incurred in the March 2007 quarter. Gross margin was 60% for the quarter ended 31 March 2008. Further, SG&A costs were US$70.1m for the quarter, an increase of US$8.8m or 14% over the same period in fiscal 2007.

More information about RMD.AX

Apria Healthcare Announces 2008 First Quarter Financial Results

ttillman — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:51:30 GMT

Apria Healthcare Announces 2008 First Quarter Financial Results
Thursday May 1, 8:00 am ET
http://biz.yahoo.com/pz/080501/141541.html

LAKE FOREST, Calif., May 1, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Apria Healthcare Group Inc. (NYSE:AHG - News), the nation's leading home healthcare company, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, revenue grew over the prior year by 35.1% to $528.0 million from $390.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007, with revenue increases of 2.5% for home respiratory therapy and 190.7% for home infusion therapy. The increase in home infusion therapy was the result of the Coram acquisition which took place in December 2007. First quarter 2008 net income was $20.8 million, which was flat compared to the first quarter of 2007. All results reported in this release include the impact of the Coram acquisition and Medicare payment reductions.

Net income per share on a diluted basis was $0.47 for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, compared to $0.47 in the comparable prior year period.

As expected, due to the acquisition of Coram, the Company's gross margin decreased in the first quarter of 2008 to 61.1%, compared to 65.6% reported in the first quarter of last year.

Days sales outstanding (DSO) were 49 days at March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007. The provision for doubtful accounts as a percentage of revenues was 2.0% for the first quarter of 2008, compared to 2.5% in the corresponding period last year.

Selling, distribution and administrative expenses were 50.9% of revenues, 1.9% lower compared to 52.8% in the first quarter of last year.

``Home oxygen revenues grew four percent over last year, which is in the range we expected. In addition, our oxygen patient census reached a new record in the first quarter,'' said Lawrence M. Higby, Chief Executive Officer. ``Growth in other respiratory products, including CPAP, bi-level and high-tech ventilation therapies, was also positive. Unfortunately, growth in these areas was offset by certain Medicare payment reductions, which began last year, as well as lower growth rates in low margin inhalation therapy drugs and home medical equipment. In addition, positive growth rates were posted in our specialty infusion services and enteral nutrition products. ''

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $77.8 million in the first quarter of 2008, representing a 6.7% increase over EBITDA of $72.9 million in the first quarter of 2007. EBITDA is presented as a supplemental performance measure and is not intended as an alternative to net income or any other measure calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Further, EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. A table reconciling EBITDA to net income is presented at the end of the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this release.

Liquidity and Capital

During the quarter, the Company reduced its $500 million revolving credit line balance by a net $15 million. As of March 31, 2008, the outstanding balance on the revolver was $409 million.

Free cash flow was $7.1 million in the first quarter of 2008, compared to $12.2 million in the first quarter of 2007. In the first quarter of 2008, total capital expenditures were 7.9% of revenues versus 8.4% in the first quarter of 2007.

Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities minus capital expenditures and does not include acquisitions or financing activities. It is presented as a supplemental performance measure and is not intended as an alternative to any other cash flow measure calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Further, free cash flow may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. A table reconciling free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities is presented at the end of the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this release.

The Company estimates that recent developments affecting Medicare reimbursement for certain respiratory drugs will negatively impact the Company's revenues by $12 million more in 2008 than the Company had estimated in its previously announced 2008 guidance. It is not yet possible, however, to determine whether these reimbursement changes, in combination with the Company's operating results for the remainder of the fiscal year, will cause the Company to change its 2008 guidance ranges for revenue growth, cash flow and earnings per share.

Apria provides home respiratory therapy, home infusion therapy and home medical equipment through approximately 550 locations serving patients in all 50 states. With over $1.6 billion in annual net revenues ($2.1 billion if Coram were included for the full year), it is the nation's leading home healthcare company.

This release may contain statements regarding anticipated future developments that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Results may differ materially as a result of the risk factors included in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other factors over which the Company has no control.

                      APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC.
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                              (unaudited)

                                               March 31,   December 31,
 (dollars in thousands)                          2008          2007
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             (unaudited)
                 ASSETS

 CURRENT ASSETS:
 Cash and cash equivalents                    $   21,046    $   28,451
 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
  doubtful accounts                              288,440       284,141
 Inventories, net                                 53,671        52,079
 Other current assets                             75,566        92,664
                                              ----------    ----------
   TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                          438,723       457,335
 PATIENT SERVICE EQUIPMENT, NET                  202,388       200,180
 PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT & IMPROVEMENTS, NET         112,949       102,827
 OTHER ASSETS, NET                               840,671       837,460
                                              ----------    ----------
   TOTAL ASSETS                               $1,594,731    $1,597,802
                                              ==========    ==========

   LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     $  284,301    $  293,600
 Current portion of long-term debt               253,631       254,252
                                              ----------    ----------
   TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                     537,932       547,852
 LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion          417,405       433,031
 OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES                   104,636       104,894
                                              ----------    ----------
   TOTAL LIABILITIES                           1,059,973     1,085,777
 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                            534,758       512,025
                                              ----------    ----------
   TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
    STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                      $1,594,731    $1,597,802
                                              ==========    ==========


                      APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC.
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                              (unaudited)

                                                 Three Months Ended
                                                      March 31,
                                              ------------------------
 (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   2008          2007
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               (As
                                                           Restated)(1)

 Respiratory therapy                          $  276,448    $  269,761
 Infusion therapy                                200,518        68,968
 Home medical equipment/other                     51,012        52,050
                                              ----------    ----------
   NET REVENUES                                  527,978       390,779
   GROSS PROFIT                                  322,708       256,162
 Provision for doubtful accounts                  10,681         9,698
 Selling, distribution and administrative
  expenses                                       268,661       206,480
 Amortization of intangible assets                 1,068           992
                                              ----------    ----------
   OPERATING INCOME                               42,298        38,992
 Interest expense, net                             7,808         5,826
                                              ----------    ----------
   INCOME BEFORE TAXES                            34,490        33,166
 Income tax expense                               13,718        12,316
                                              ----------    ----------
   NET INCOME                                 $   20,772    $   20,850
                                              ==========    ==========
 Income per common share - assuming
  dilution                                    $     0.47    $     0.47
                                              ==========    ==========
 Weighted average number of common shares
  outstanding                                     44,171        43,988


 (1) Amounts for 2007 reflect the restatement adjustments previously
     disclosed in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed
     January 3, 2008. Such corrections were included in the Company's
     Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007
     filed on February 29, 2008.


                      APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC.
            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                              (unaudited)

                                                 Three Months Ended
                                                      March 31,
                                              ------------------------
 (dollars in thousands)                          2008          2007
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               (As
                                                           Restated)(1)

 OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 Net income                                   $   20,772    $   20,850
 Items included in net income not requiring
  cash:
   Provision for doubtful accounts                10,681         9,698
   Depreciation and amortization                  35,510        33,955
   Deferred income taxes, share-based
    compensation and other                        18,342         3,177
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities     (36,753)      (22,791)
                                              ----------    ----------
     NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING
      ACTIVITIES                                  48,552        44,889
                                              ----------    ----------
 INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 Purchases of patient service equipment
  and property, equipment and improvements       (41,480)      (32,672)
 Proceeds from disposition of assets                  33            26
 Cash (paid) for acquisitions                     (3,031)           --
                                              ----------    ----------
     NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES       (44,478)      (32,646)
                                              ----------    ----------
 FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 Net payments of debt                            (16,247)      (26,605)
 Issuances of common stock                            49        13,297
 Other                                             4,719         2,951
                                              ----------    ----------
     NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES       (11,479)      (10,357)
                                              ----------    ----------
 NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH
  EQUIVALENTS                                     (7,405)        1,886
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
  of period                                       28,451        14,657
                                              ----------    ----------
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD   $   21,046    $   16,543
                                              ==========    ==========


 (1) Amounts for 2007 reflect the restatement adjustments previously
     disclosed in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed
     January 3, 2008. Such corrections were included in the Company's
     Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007
     filed on February 29, 2008.


                      APRIA HEALTHCARE GROUP INC.
              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT
                            RECONCILIATIONS
                              (unaudited)

                                                 Three Months Ended
                                                      March 31,
                                              ------------------------
 (dollars in thousands)                          2008          2007
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               (As
                                                           Restated)(1)

 Reconciliation - EBITDA:
   Reported net income                        $   20,772    $   20,850
   Add back: Interest expense, net                 7,808         5,826
   Add back: Income tax expense                   13,718        12,316
   Add back: Depreciation                         34,442        32,963
   Add back: Amortization of intangible
    assets                                         1,068           992
                                              ----------    ----------
 EBITDA                                       $   77,808    $   72,947
                                              ==========    ==========

 Reconciliation - Free Cash Flow:
   Net cash provided by operating activities  $   48,552    $   44,889
   Less: Purchases of patient service
    equipment and property, equipment
    and improvements                             (41,480)      (32,672)
                                              ----------    ----------
 Free cash flow                               $    7,072    $   12,217
                                              ==========    ==========


 (1) Amounts for 2007 reflect the restatement adjustments previously
     disclosed in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed
     January 3, 2008. Such corrections were included in the Company's
     Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007
     filed on February 29, 2008.

Contact:

          Apria Healthcare Group Inc.
          Chris A. Karkenny, Chief Financial Officer
            949.639.4990
          Michael E. Polgardy, Treasurer
            949.639.4357

Source: Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.

No Difference In Sleep Of OSA Patients Studied In A Hospital Vs. A Hotel-Based Sleep Center

ttillman — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:45:50 GMT

No Difference In Sleep Of OSA Patients Studied In A Hospital Vs. A Hotel-Based Sleep Center
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/104256.php

A study published in the April 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM) finds no significant difference in sleep parameters associated with the first-night effect in patients undergoing sleep studies in a hotel and a hospital-based sleep laboratory.

Kimberly N. Hutchison, MD, of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., reviewed polysomnograms, or sleep tests, completed in their hotel-based and hospital-based sleep laboratories over a two-year period. All patients were undergoing evaluation for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dr. Hutchison and her colleagues compared the sleep architecture changes associated with the first-night effect in the two groups.

According to the results, no significant differences were detected between the two groups in sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, REM sleep latency, total amount of slow wave sleep, and total stage 1 sleep. There was also no difference detected in arousal index between the two groups.

"Hotel-based sleep laboratories are growing. It is not known how this new environment will affect clinical studies," said Dr. Hutchison. "This study is meaningful because it suggests that the increased comfort and familiarity offered by a hotel setting doesn't necessarily change the sleep architecture, at least in our patient subgroup (patients referred for suspected sleep apnea). Perhaps our patients are more familiar with a hospital rather than a hotel!"

-- Comments?

Husbands With OSA Are More Likely To Adhere To CPAP If Their Wives Share The Bed

ttillman — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:43:24 GMT

Husbands With OSA Are More Likely To Adhere To CPAP If Their Wives Share The Bed
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/104259.php

Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) controls a husband's sleep-related obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms, his treatment adherence is strongly related to his wife sharing the bed, according to a study published in the April 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM).

The study, authored by Rosalind Cartwright, PhD, of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, focused on 10 married men with OSA, who slept for two additional nights with their wife, who was not affected with OSA, while both were recorded. The first night included a standard polysomnogram (PSG), or overnight sleep study, without treatment. Following two weeks of home CPAP, the couple returned for a second PSG with the husband on CPAP. During the intervening two weeks, sleep logs were completed daily noting if CPAP was used, the presence of snoring, and where and how well they slept. Adherence data from machine downloads were obtained after an average of 4.6 months.

According to the results, the husband's adherence to CPAP was unrelated to OSA severity, but positively related to the number of nights the couple slept together during the two weeks of home CPAP.

"The study underlines that OSA affects both partners in married couples, and those that diagnose and treat these patients should therefore see them as a unit and include the spouse (partner) in educating them about this disorder and its treatment," said Dr. Cartwright. "When the partner is encouraged to sleep with the patient, he is more likely to continue to wear his CPAP mask than if the partner sleeps separately. CPAP will control the snoring noises and excessive movements that disturb the sleep of both of them, and they both will suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness before he is treated. Those who have separated for sleep before the patient was diagnosed and treated should realize that, if she returns to sharing the bed, the chance of his continuing to use this very successful treatment is 60 percent higher than if she sleeps alone."

-- Comments?

Sleep apnea blamed for death of 25-year-old

ttillman — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:38:50 GMT

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/

Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2008

Sleep apnea blamed for death of 25-year-old

By the Herald staff

Sleep apnea was determined the cause of death for Patrick Scott II, who was found dead in his bed Friday morning.

Benton County Coroner Rick Corson said the 25-year-old man had a medical history of sleep apnea, which is an inability to breathe properly during sleep.

Corson said information from Scott's doctor and his parents indicated sleep apnea and the lack of oxygen because of not breathing caused heart failure. An autopsy was not needed, Corson said.

-- Comments?

Industry News and Topics

CPAPSupplyUSA.com launches new section for CPAP and Sleep Apnea Education

Study finds that obstructive sleep apnea causes earlier death in stroke patients

Study finds that obstructive sleep apnea causes earlier death in stroke patients

F&P posts a 30 percent fall in annual net profit...

Truckers may be exposed to new guidelines...

Sleep Apnea Severity Increases in Pregnancy

Sleep Apnea Risks

Sleep apnea risksMonday, May 5, 2008

ResMed Inc. Provides 3Q FY 2008 Results for 31 March 2008

Apria Healthcare Announces 2008 First Quarter Financial Results

No Difference In Sleep Of OSA Patients Studied In A Hospital Vs. A Hotel-Based Sleep Center

Husbands With OSA Are More Likely To Adhere To CPAP If Their Wives Share The Bed

Sleep apnea blamed for death of 25-year-old

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/

Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2008

Sleep apnea blamed for death of 25-year-old

By the Herald staff

Sleep apnea risks

Monday, May 5, 2008