Pharmacotherapy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Authors

  • Gaurav Acharya Department of Anesthesiology, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College & MY Hospital, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
  • Sunil Arya Department of Pediatrics, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College & MY Hospital, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
  • Shivani Badal Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional Institute of Medical Science, Imphal, Manipur, India
  • Dewesh Kumar Department of Community and Family Medicine, AIIMS, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
  • Saurabh Samdariya Department of Radiation Oncology, AIIMS, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Keywords:

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Pirfenidone, N-acetyl cysteine, Interstitial lung disease

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis is a form of chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease causing scarring of lung tissue and usually affect adults. Treatment is usually aimed at controlling inflammation and thus slowing the process of fibrosis. With only few patients responding to treatment and the disease being ultimately fatal with poor progression, the underlying lesion was considered to be fibrotic rather than inflammatory. Fibrotic foci, deposition of collagen, and lack of inflammatory cells are a predominant finding. Pirfenidone and N-acetyl cysteine are the only effective pharmacotherapy available till date. Interim results of PANTHER Trial clearly indicate more risk with triple therapy. However, in Indian patients, trial of steroid therapy may be tried when there is doubt of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. BIBF 1120 has also shown positive results in Phase II clinical trial and shows a positive response in deteriorating lung function. Supplemental oxygen, education of patient, pulmonary rehabilitation, and Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza vaccine are the most important supportive care. Pulmonary rehabilitation should be used as a treatment in the majority of patients.

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Published

2017-01-27

How to Cite

Acharya, G., Arya, S., Badal, S., Kumar, D., & Samdariya, S. (2017). Pharmacotherapy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 3(5), 761–763. Retrieved from https://www.ijbcp.com/index.php/ijbcp/article/view/1081

Issue

Section

Review Articles