Comorbidity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - what can biomarkers tell us?

ABSTRACT: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by progressive parenchymal scarring, leading to dyspnoea, respiratory failure and premature death. Although IPF is confined to the lungs, the importance of IPF comorbidities such as pulmonary hypertension and ischaemic heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux, sleep apnoea and depression has been increasingly recognized. These comorbidities may be associated with increased mortality and significant loss of quality of life, so their identification and management are vital. The development of good-quality biomarkers could lead to numerous gains in the management of these patients. Biomarkers can be used for the identification of predisposed individuals, early diagnosis, assessment

SUBMITTER: Alfaro TM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7074506 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature