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- Title
The Clinical Course of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
- Authors
Martinez, Fernando J.; Safrin, Sharon; Weycker, Derek; Starko, Karen M.; Bradford, Williamson Z.; King Jr., Talmadge E.; Flaherty, Kevin R.; Schwartz, David A.; Noble, Paul W.; Raghu, Ganesh; Brown, Kevin K.
- Abstract
Background: Prospective data defining the clinical course in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are sparse. Objective: To analyze the clinical course of patients with mild to moderate IPF. Design: Analysis of data from the placebo group of a randomized, controlled trial evaluating interferon γ1b. Setting: Academic and community medical centers. Patients: 168 patients in the placebo group of a trial evaluating interferon-γ1b. Measurements: Measures of physiology and dyspnea assessed at 12-week intervals; hospitalizations; and the pace of deterioration and cause of death over a median period of 76 weeks. Results: Physiologic variables changed minimally during the study. However, 23% of patients required hospitalization for a respiratory disorder and 21 % died. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was the primary cause of death in 89% of patients who died, and an apparent acute clinical deterioration preceded death in 47% of these patients. Limitations: The instrument used to define the pace of deterioration and cause of death was applied retrospectively. Conclusions: Recognition of the common occurrence of acute fatal deterioration in patients with mild to moderate IPF has important implications for monitoring patients and supports early referral for lung transplantation.
- Subjects
PULMONARY fibrosis; MEDICAL centers; DYSPNEA; CLINICAL trials; PLACEBOS; HOSPITAL care
- Publication
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2005, Vol 142, Issue 12, p963
- ISSN
0003-4819
- Publication type
Article