Prognostic factors for acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a form of chronic fibrosing interstitial pneumonia with unknown disease aetiology. Acute exacerbation (AE) of IPF is an accelerated disease progression beyond its expected course. A 30-day mortality of AE of IPF is 40%. While death may occur, there is much variation in the clinical progression of this condition. Previous attempts have been made to investigate various possible prognostic factors for AE of IPF; however, they have yet to be confirmed. The aim of this systematic review is to clarify these prognostic factors.

Methods and analysis

In this review, AE of IPF is the condition of interest, which has been defined according to previously established diagnostic criteria. The primary outcomes of interest include short-te

SUBMITTER: Kamiya H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6537967 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature