The Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Admitted to the ICU with Acute Respiratory Failure

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown etiology occurring primarily in older adults.1 IPF is a fatal lung disease with a median survival of 3 to 5 years.1,2 Patients with IPF and acute respiratory failure (ARF) are often admitted to the ICU and require ventilator support.2 The primary causes of respiratory failure in IPF patients admitted to the ICU are pneumonia and IPF exacerbations.2,3 The definition of an IPF exacerbation was recently revised and it- refers to an acute, clinically significant respiratory deterioration characterized by new widespread alveolar abnormalities.

Source: Heart and Lung - June 7, 2020 Category: Intensive Care Authors: Rory A. Smith, Matheni Sathananthan, Prabhleen Kaur, Niranjan Jeganathan Source Type: research