Chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases according to the register of Irkutsk (Russia)
The Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a wide heterogeneous group of disorders, different in many parameters, however having similar pathophysiological mechanisms. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP), ILD associated with autoimmune disorders (predominantly systemic sclerosis (SSc ILD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA ILD), and other diseases may be accompanied by the formation of pulmonary fibrosis. Currently there are no generally accepted criteria for the fibrosing and progressive fibrosing ILD, and the information on the frequency of these conditions is limited. The study aims to research the structure of fibrosing ILD and the frequency of the progressive fibrosing phenotype (PFP) according to the register of patients with ILD in Irkutsk, Russia. Methods. At the first stage information letters were sent to all medical institutions of Irkutsk with recommendations on all referral patients with ILD for further examination. At the second stage, each ILD case was verified collegially (n = 270). All patients’ data were analysed in terms of clinical, functional, radiological and histological aspects. A register of ILD patients was formed based on this analysis. The follow-up period was 1 to 5 years. Results. According to the results of a comprehensive assessment, HRCT signs of pulmonary fibrosis were detected by 104 patients (38.5%). fibrosing course was observed in 100% IPF and SSc ILD, in 90.9% of CHP, 71.4% of NSIP and 60% of RA ILD. 61 patients (22.6% of all ILD cases, 58.6% of fibrosing ILD) was diagnosed with PFP. The 5-year mortality for PFP ILD was 55.5%. Conclusion. In the case of a PFP development, the evolution of ILD loses its nosological specificity, acquiring similarity with IPF. Due to the high mortality rate, it is necessary to actively identify the progressive fibrosing course of a wide range of ILD and to prescribe an antifibrotic therapy in a timely manner.