Lecture 8: Interstitial Lung Disease Flashcards
What is the interstitium of the lungs?
Region between alveolar wall and pulmonary capillary epithelial cells.
What characterizies Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)?
- Damaged alveoli and surrounding tissue
- DOE
- Persistent dry cough
- Late inspiratory rales on PE (forced opening of alveoli)
- CXR: septal thickening and reticulonodular damage.
What structures are affected by ILDs?
- Alveolar epithelium
- Pulmonary capillary endothelium
- Alveolar basement membrane
- Perivascular tissues
- Perilymphatic tissues
The tissue and airspace around the air sacs of the lungs.
What are the primary causes of ILDs?
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (MC)
- Occupational and environmental
- Sarcoidosis
- CT diseases
- Drug and radiation
Describe the pathophysiology of ILDs.
- Injury to alveolar epithelium or capillary endothelial cells.
- Leads to progressive, irreversible scarring and stiffness of lung parenchyma.
- Poor O2 exchange.
What is the proposed mechanism of ILD?
Repetitive and/or excessive injury, followed by dysregulation of tissue repair
What are the two pathophysiologic presentations for ILD?
- Granulomatous lung disease (T cells, macrophages, and epithelioid cells)
- Inflammation and fibrosis (fibrotic alveoli)
When do ILDs tend to appear?
Ages 20-40, with an insidious onset.
>60 would be idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
What is the general presentation of an ILD?
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Dyspnea
- Cough (dry)
Extrapulmonary symptoms can be seen if they have a CT disorder.
What would be expected on a respiratory exam for ILD?
- Tachypnea
- Late inspiratory rales (bibasilar, posterior axilla)
- Rhonchi (associated bronchiolitis)
What would be expected on a CXR for ILD?
- Bibasilar reticular or reticulonodular with honeycombing in late stage.
What is an alternative to CXR that helps narrow ILD diagnosis?
High-res CT (HRCT)
How do most ILDs present on PFT?
Restrictive, with TLC reduction first and then FEV1/FVC reductions.
Which ILD could present as an obstructive pattern on PFT?
Sarcoidosis
50%
Which test would be used to confirm results of decreased pulse oximetry for an ILD patient?
ABG.
At what point does medicare reimburse for oxygen supplementation?
- 88% or less SaO2 on 6MWT.
What is the function of bronchoalveolar lavage?
Obtain samples of cells and fluid for assessment of cell count, cultures, and cystologic analysis.
Usually non-specific for ILD.
When is lung biopsy indicated for in ILD?
Last resort to confirm diagnosis or stage disease.
What is the goal SaO2 for oxygen supplementation in ILD and when is it indicated?
- Indication: hypoxemia <= 88%
- Goal: 90-92%
Documentation: 2L O2 via NC
What is the first-line pharmacotherapy for ILD?
Glucocorticoids, usually prednisone.
Re eval after 4-12 wks.
Starting dose: 0.5-1mg/kg PO daily.
If an ILD patient has no improvement on glucocorticoids, what should be added?
Add immunosuppressant, such as cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil (cellcept)
What patient education should be provided regarding ILDs?
- Fibrosis is an irreversible condition
- Compliance is vital to slowing disease progression.
What is the theory behind idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis? (IPF)
- Homeostasis of alveolar epithelial cells is disrupted, leading to abnormal cell repair and fibrosis.
- Excessive production and dysregulation of myofibroblasts occur.
What are the clinical findings suggestive of IPF?
- Gradual onset of exertional dyspnea with dry cough.
- 55-60 y/o males
- Fine inspiratory crackles/rales w or w/o digital clubbing.
What should a PFT show for IPF?
- Restrictive lung pattern
- Reduced DLco
- Hypoxemia that worsens on exertion.
What should a HRCT of IPF show?
- Bibasilar, reticular opacities
- Traction bronchiectasis
- Honeycombing
What histiologic findings are characteristic of IPF?
Alternating areas of healthy, inflammation, fibrosis, and honeycomb change.
Fibrosis is dominant over inflammation
What are the primary treatment agents for IPF?
- Nintedanib: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
- Pirfenidone: anti-inflammatory agent; antifibrotic
Prevents further scarring. Efficacy similar.
Caution in liver injury! Need LFTs
What should be done in terms of management for IPF to help treat it besides pharmacotherapy?
- Early referral for lung transplant.
- Encourage clinical trial participation
Disease is irreversible!
What drug class is being researched for IPF?
Phosphodiesterase 4B inhibitors
What is sarcoidosis?
- Inflammatory disease of unknown etiology.
- Noncaseating (non-necrotizing) granulomas involving 2+ organ systems.
- MC organ: lungs.
- 2nd MC: Skin and eyes
What demographic is the most susceptible to sarcoidosis?
Young, female, African-American
Will present more acute and severely.