Work

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: What primary care physicians need to know

Year: 2018

Type: review

Abstract: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a specific type of fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause. It is usually chronic and progressive, tends to affect mainly adults over age 60, has a predilection for men, and is often fatal. The condition is still underappreciated by pulmonologists and primary care physicians. This article attempts to close that information gap by reviewing the natural course of IPF and presenting an algorithmic approach to diagnosis and treatment based on evidence-based international guidelines. New treatment options are briefly discussed, to raise awareness of new medications that target pulmonary fibrosis.

Source: Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine

DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.85a.17018

Authors: Leslie B. Tolle, Brian D. Southern, Daniel A. Culver, Jeffrey C. Horowitz

Institutions: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Interstitial Lung Diseases and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, Genentech, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute