Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: new insights
Kraan, J.W.; van den Blink, B.; van den Toorn, L.M.; Bresser, P.; van Beek, F.T.; Grutters, J.C.; Wijsenbeek, M.S.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 159: A8148
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 1876-8784 PMID: 25654681 Document Number: 679149
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease of unknown cause. IPF has a poor prognosis with a mean survival of 2 to 5 years after diagnosis. The diagnostic process is often complex and demands a multidisciplinary approach. To date, the only curative therapy available is lung transplant. New insights into the pathogenesis of IPF have brought about changes in standard treatment strategies. New drugs have recently become available and have been shown to slow down the decline in pulmonary function considerably and improve survival.