Online ISSN: 2515-8260

A Study of Clinical, Radiological, and Functional Profile of Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease

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Dr. Bandaru Sandeep Kumar1 , Dr. Kavitha M2 , Dr. K Praveen Kumar3

Abstract

Background: Despite the rarity of these illnesses, some interstitial lung disease (ILDs) individuals may experience a progressive-fibrosing phenotype. A deterioration in lung function, increased respiratory symptoms, a limited response to immunomodulatory treatments, a reduction in quality of life, and perhaps an early death are all consequences of progressive fibrosis. We in the current study tried to evaluate the clinical, radiological, and functional profile of patients with interstitial lung diseases reporting to our tertiary care hospital. Methods: Consecutive patients with the diagnosis of ILD as per guidelines with multidisciplinary modality were included in the study. A thorough medical history was obtained, followed by a comprehensive clinical examination. A complete hemogram, blood sugar levels, renal function tests, arterial blood gas analysis with calculation of the alveoloarterial (Aa) gradient, spirometry with measurement of the carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO), six-minute walk distance (6MWD), post-exercise desaturation, and radiological investigations like chest roentgenograms (CXR) and high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) thorax were reported. Results: Average duration of symptoms in patients was 42.54 (6.1) months. End-inspiratory Velcro crackles were the most common examination finding in 138 (98.57%) followed by clubbing in 78 (55.7%). Post-exercise desaturation was found in n=26 patients (89.66%). The common diagnosis was idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP) n=17(58.62%). Other common etiologies were granulomatous diseases like sarcoidosis in n=2(10.34%) hypersensitivity pneumonitis in n=2(6.89%) and connective tissue disease associated with ILD in n=5(17.24%). Rest n=3 cases included occupational ILD, drug-induced ILD, and topical pulmonary eosinophilia in one case each. Conclusion: Interstitial Lung disease (ILD) is a chronic respiratory disease, and its diagnosis must be done with a multidisciplinary approach without the requirement of a lung biopsy. Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis has a poorer prognosis compared to Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia despite optimal treatment. Cases with connective tissue disease-associated ILD, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and sarcoidosis show exceptional response to therapy.

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