Abstract
Introduction and Objectives:
The median survival of patients with UIP/IPF is reported in several series as 3 years. Anecdotally, many respiratory physicians have patients who remain stable for many years. We examined median survival and cause of death in our patients diagnosed with IPF in the year 2006 and 2007 attending a large general hospital in the UK.
Methods:
Twenty patients were selected by retrospective data collection from our ILD clinic records; diagnosis was established on HRCT and confirmed by consultant radiologist and pulmonologist with special interest and expertise in interstitial lung disease. Patient functional status, pulmonary function at diagnosis and follow up, treatment; and cause of death from death certificates were recorded.
Results:
Median survival was 27.1 months (range 1.8-76.2, SD 24.3). FVC at Diagnosis: Mean 81% (range 43-120%, SD 22.8). FVC at diagnosis was predictive of survival.
Pulmonary fibrosis was listed as primary (29%) or secondary (35%) cause of death in 64%. Other causes are listed in
Conclusion:
Median survival in our unselected population was 27.1 months. IPF was the leading cause of death. FVC at diagnosis was predictive of survival. Patients on omeprazole had better median survival.
- © 2013 ERS