Work

Exploring the Role of Autoimmune Conditions in Acute Interstitial Pneumonia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Clinical factors influencing outcomes of patients hospitalized with acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) are not well described because of the condition's rarity. RESEARCH QUESTION: Do patients with AIP and autoimmune conditions differ from patients with AIP without autoimmune conditions in mortality, recurrence, mechanical ventilation, discharge disposition, and length of hospital stay? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used US MarketScan and Medicare claims (2016-2023). Diagnoses were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes. Outcomes included in-hospital, 90-day, and 180-day mortality (Medicare only); AIP recurrence; mechanical ventilation within 30 days; discharge disposition; and length of stay. Multivariable logistic and negative binomial regression compared outcomes by autoimmune status, adjusting for demographics and geography. RESULTS: The study included 4,726 patients from Medicare claims and 975 patients from MarketScan claims; 20% had an autoimmune condition. Patients with autoimmune conditions covered by Medicare showed a significantly lower odds of 90-day mortality (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.99), higher odds of discharge home (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02-1.36), and lower odds of discharge to a skilled nursing facility (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.61-0.97). Length of stay, recurrence, mechanical ventilation, and results from MarketScan did not differ significantly by autoimmune status. INTERPRETATION: Our results show that patients with AIP and autoimmune conditions covered by Medicare experienced lower 90-day mortality and more favorable discharge disposition, and other outcomes were similar. These differences may reflect a subgroup characterized by greater engagement with specialty care and differential treatment approaches. Future work is needed to identify factors associated with better AIP outcomes to inform more effective care.

Source: CHEST Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2026.08.010

Authors: Melica Nikahd, Bronwyn Small, Brittany N. Hand

Institutions: The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

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: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,160