Sex-Specific Clinical Characteristics and Mortality Predictors in Patients With Usual Interstitial Pneumonia Pattern: A Retrospective Cohort Study Highlighting Male Health Risks
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) is a progressive fibrotic lung condition most commonly observed in older men, yet sex-specific clinical outcomes remain underexplored. This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine demographic, clinical, radiological, and mortality-related characteristics of patients diagnosed with a UIP pattern based on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), using real-world data from a tertiary chest clinic in Turkey between 2015 and 2025. A total of 100 patients were included, of whom 72% were male. The mean age was 68.4 years, and the average smoking burden was 32.5 pack-years. Radiological progression occurred in 48% of cases, and overall mortality was 26%. Malignancy was an independent predictor of mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.10, 7.43]; p = .032), alongside older age (per year: adjusted OR = 1.06, 95% CI = [1.01, 1.12]; p = .041). Despite the high smoking prevalence, no significant association was found between smoking load and mortality. These findings underscore the disproportionate burden of UIP among older men and highlight the importance of routine malignancy screening and individualized follow-up strategies in this population. The study supports the integration of interstitial lung disease surveillance into comprehensive men’s health care frameworks and calls for increased awareness of UIP’s clinical implications in at-risk male populations.
Source: American Journal of Men s Health
Authors: Suat Konuk, Alp Ozel, Emine Ozsari, Sena Melis Sert
Institution: Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,650
OpenAlex ID: W4417153228