Review on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial lung disease which is characterized by the chronic, progressive scarring of the lungs and by the usual interstitial pneumonia pathological hallmark. A key initiating factor is to damage alveolar epithelial cell was suggested by the current paradigms. Worldwide, with correlated high morbidity, mortality and economic burden increase in incidences of the disease. By exclusion of other causes of interstitial lung disease the diagnosis depends on a multidisciplinary team approach. Over recent years, for patients with IPF two novel antifibrotic treatment such as pirfenidone and nintedanib have been developed and providing the options for treatment, with several other agents in early clinical trials. To improve results for these patients in the future current efforts are directed at identifying key biomarkers that may direct more customized patient-centred healthcare.