Clinical profile of interstitial lung disease at a tertiary care centre, India

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a complex group of disorders. As of date, the data on ILD is mostly from the western world with scarce Indian studies. Hence, we decided to study the clinical profile of the interstitial lung disease patients at our institute. METHODOLOGY: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care centre over 3 years. The study was an independent subset analysis of the patients enrolled in the national ILD-India registry. Adult ILD patients diagnosed with multi-disciplinary diagnosis were included. Patients were managed as per guidelines. Follow-up was noted wherever available. Statistical analysis was done with frequency, mean, standard deviation and percentages. RESULTS: One hundred and forty ILD patients were included. There was a male predominance. Average age was 53.99 years. Most common symptoms were dry cough and exertional dyspnea. Examination revealed end inspiratory velcro crackles and digital clubbing. Average partial pressure of oxygen, forced vital capacity, diffusion of lung for carbon monoxide was 73.22 mmHg, 1.58 liters, 52.29%predicted respectively. Most common radiological finding was interlobular, interstitial septal thickening (79.8%). Commonest ILD was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Gastroesophageal reflux disease was commonest comorbidity (76.42%). Follow-up of 67 patients was available. Therapy showed variable response as per the type of ILD. Nineteen deaths were recorded; 12 in IPF. CONCLUSION: IPF was the commonest ILD with poorer prognosis and higher mortality compared to non-specific interstitial pneumonia despite optimal treatment while patients of connective tissue disease associated ILD, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and sarcoidosis show excellent response to therapy.