Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Flashcards
What is IPF?
progressive fibrosis of the interstitium of the lungs where no cause is identified
Common demographic of patients with IPF
Male> females (2:1)
Aged 50-70
Clinical features of IPF
progressive exertional dyspnoea
bibasal fine end-inspiratory crepitations
dry cough
clubbing
Typical spirometry pattern seen in IPF
Restrictive
IPF causes impaired gas exchange. What investigation can confirm this?
reduced transfer factor (TLCO)
Signs of IPF on imaging
bilateral interstitial shadowing
(small, irregular, peripheral opacities - ‘ground-glass’ - later progressing to ‘honeycombing’)
Imaging of choice for diagnosis of IPF
CT
Management of IPF
- pulmonary rehab
- pirfenidone (an antifibrotic agent)
- supplementary oxygen
- lung transplant
Prognosis/ life expectancy in IPF
poor prognosis
average life expectancy ~3-4 years