Pharmacotherapy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

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.