CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS PATIENTS TREATED IN HOSPITAL OF LITHUANIAN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES KAUNO KLINIKOS IN 2016–2017

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate clinical data and the efficiency of antifibrotic drugs for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) treated or followed up in Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno klinikos. Methods. The records of patients observed in Pulmonology department in 2016–2017 with a confirmed diagnosis of IPF were reviewed. Full medical history, demographic data, risk factors, pulmonary function, information about the treatment and adverse events were recorded from each clinic visit and later analyzed. Results of pulmonary function test were compared with repeated spirometries after 6 and 12 months of follow-up or treatment. Results. 25 IPF patients were enrolled in the research in 2016–2017: 10 women (40%) and 15 men (60%) with mean age of 66 ± 11years. 13 patients (52%) are current smokers or ex-smokers. 11 patients (44%) were diagnose with IPF after lung tissues histopathologic evaluation, other 14 patients (56%) – according to high resolution computed tomography signs. 17 IPF patients received nintedanib or pirfenidon, however five IPF patients did not receive any speciffic IPF treatment. Two patients underwent lung transplantation and one patient was enroled into the lung transplant waiting list during the study period. FVC remained stable in patients treated with pirfenidon or nintedanib during the six and 12 months of treatment period (after 6 months of treatment, FVC increased 60ml, after 12 months – increased 30ml) whereas FVC significantly decreased in patients, who were not treated with any antifibrotic drugs (after six months FVC decreased 180 ml, and after 12 months – decreased 410 ml). The most frequent adverse event of nintedanib was diarrhoea (n = 6; 86%), less frequent – nausea and vomiting (n = 3; 43%), pirfenidone – elevated liver function enzymes (n = 3; 30%), nausea and vomiting (n = 3; 43%). Four patients (16%) had exacerbation of the disease during the observation period. Conclusions. 25 patients with IPF were observed or treated in LUHS Kauno klinikos in 2016–2017. 17 patients had antifibrotic drugs prescribed, which stabilized their lung function. Antifibrotic drugs were efficient. However, they were related with some non-serious adverse effects.