Predictive factors for survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Background and objective: To determine the median survival and determinants of survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Patients and method: We retrospectively evaluated 29 IPF patients who died in the pneumology department between 2001 and 2006. Data from the time of diagnosis until death were analysed. Determinants of survival including age at diagnosis, gender, history of cigarette smoking, fibrosis-emphysema association, and lung function tests were analysed. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 69.7, 16 patients were men (55.2%). The median survival time, from the time of diagnosis, was 28.47 months (20.44-36.5 IC95%). There was a significant difference in survival between age groups. The median survival time in patients older than 65 years was 22.40 months and in patients younger than 65 years it was 56.37 months (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in survival when other determinants of survival. were evaluated. Conclusion: The median survival of IPF patients is low. It is necessary to continue investigating to find more effective and selective therapeutic strategies. (C) 2008 Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.