Incorporating genetics into the identification and treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the most common form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, is characterized by progressive, irreversible scarring of the lung parenchyma. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has a poor prognosis, and there are no medical therapies available that have been shown to improve survival. It is usually sporadic, but there is evidence of familial clustering of pulmonary fibrosis, suggesting a genetic basis for this disease. More recently, studies have confirmed that specific genetic variants are associated with both familial and sporadic forms of pulmonary fibrosis.

Discussion

Although there are common and rare genetic variants that have been associated with the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis, the genotyping of patients is not a generally a

SUBMITTER: Mathai SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4581155 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature