Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Respiratory

Chronic progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause with a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern.

Clinical features

  • Progressive exertional dyspnoea
  • Dry cough
  • Fine bibasal Velcro crackles
  • Finger clubbing

Investigations

  • HRCT: subpleural basal reticulation, honeycombing, traction bronchiectasis
  • Full lung function with transfer factor (restrictive, low DLCO)
  • Autoimmune and hypersensitivity screen to exclude mimics
  • Multidisciplinary ILD meeting

Management

  • Antifibrotics: pirfenidone or nintedanib
  • Ambulatory oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation
  • GORD treatment, vaccination, smoking cessation
  • Early transplant referral; palliative care for cough and breathlessness

Clinical pearls

  • Steroids and immunosuppression worsen outcomes in IPF (PANTHER-IPF)
  • Acute exacerbation carries >50% inpatient mortality

Related in WardRound

Educational — verify locally.

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