Exploring small airway disease in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients: insights from oscillometry analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease, with small airway dysfunction (SAD) increasingly recognized as part of its pathophysiology. This study evaluated SAD prevalence and its association with gas exchange and cardiovascular risk using oscillometry.

Methods

Forty-eight IPF patients underwent forced oscillation technique (FOT), impulse oscillometry (IOS), spirometry, plethysmography, and DLCO. Key oscillometry indices (R5, R20, R5-R20, X5, AX, Fres) were analyzed. Associations with DLCO%, GAP index, MRC dyspnea score, and Framingham Risk Score (FRS) were assessed. Multivariable regression adjusted for age, sex, smoking, TLC%, antifibrotic use, and GAP stage.

Results

SAD was highly prevalent, with abnormal AX in all par

SUBMITTER: Kotsiou OS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12908390 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature