Best supportive care for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: current gaps and future directions

Treatment of acute exacerbation in interstitial lung disease secondary to autoimmune rheumatic diseases: More questions than answers

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs). In the last years, an acute exacerbation (AE) - defined as an acute, clinically significant respiratory deterioration characterized by evidence of new widespread alveolar abnormality - has been reported to occur in virtually all ILD types, including ARD-ILD. The aim of this review is to describe the available and investigational treatments in patients affected by AE-ARD-ILD in light of the very low quality of evidence available. Currently, management consists of efforts to identify reversible triggers of respiratory decline, such as drugs effective in ARDs and infections, including opportunistic infections, together with supportive treatments. AE-ILD, AE-ARD-ILD and acute respiratory distress syndrome share histopathologically similar findings of diffuse alveolar damage in most cases. Identification of triggers and risk factors might contribute to early diagnosis and treatment of AE-ILD, before the alveolar damage becomes irreversible. In patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, the role of steroids and immunosuppressants remains controversial. Also, many uncertainties characterize the management of AE-ARD-ILD because of the lack of evidence and of an unquestionable effective therapy. At this time, no effective evidence-based therapeutic strategies for AE-ARD-ILD are available. In clinical practice, AE-ARD-ILD is often empirically treated with high-dose systemic steroids and antibiotics, with or without immunosuppressive drugs. Randomized controlled trials are needed to better understand the efficacy of current and future drugs for the treatment of this clinical relevant condition.

Quality of life and spiritual needs of patients diagnosed with cancer in a tertiary hospital in southwestern Nigeria

OBJECTIVE

In Africa, cancer is considered a death sentence. Its impact can be debilitating for the patient and those who care for them. This study therefore assessed the spiritual needs and Quality of life of Cancer patients in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

METHODS

This study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design. We systematically recruited 302 cancer patients who visited the cancer registry and outpatient departments. A standardized and validated Spiritual needs questionnaire (SpNQ) and WHO Quality of Life (WHOQL) were used to collect data. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 23 with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The preponderance cancer among respondents was breast cancer 146 (48.4%) followed by prostate cancer 41 (13.6%). Most of the respondents admitted having "strong" spiritual needs. Categorization of the spiritual need score was below average in 20% of the respondents which indicated those with low spiritual needs and the majority 241 (79.8%) of the patients had high spiritual needs. Most respondents had poor quality of life in all four domains. The spiritual care needs of respondents were significantly associated with the quality of life of the respondents particularly in the psychological domain (p = 0.040) and social domain (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed high spiritual needs and poor quality of life among cancer patients. Healthcare practitioners should provide for the spiritual needs of cancer patients to enhance their quality of life.

Association of patient-reported outcome measures with lung function and mortality in fibrotic interstitial lung disease: a prospective cohort study

Background

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) may provide clinicians and researchers with direct insights into disease impact and patient well-being. We assessed whether selected PROMs and their domains are associated with baseline and longitudinal changes in lung function and can predict mortality in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (f-ILD).

Methods

A single-centre prospective study of adult patients with f-ILD enrolled over 3 years was conducted assessing baseline and short-term changes in PROMs. Three questionnaires, the modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale (mMRC), Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) and Self-Management Ability Scale (SMAS-30) were administered at planned intervals and assessed for their association with baseline clinical findings, change in lung function (% predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) and diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO%)) and all-cause mortality.

Results

199 patients were enrolled with a mean PROM follow-up of 9.6 months. When stratified by FVC% quartiles at presentation, lower mMRC (less dyspnoea), higher CRQ Physical and Emotional domain (better health-related quality of life) and higher total SMAS-30 scores (better self-management ability) were associated with higher FVC%. Short-term changes in all three PROMs appeared to be associated with changes in FVC% and DLCO%. Adjusted and unadjusted baseline and serial PROM changes were also predictive of mortality.

Conclusions

Baseline and serial assessments of PROMs were associated with changes in lung function and predicted death in patients with f-ILD. PROMs may strengthen comprehensive assessments of disease impact in clinical practice as well as support patient-centred outcomes in research.

The Role of Proton Pump Inhibitors in the Realm of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and its Associated Comorbidities: A Systematic Review

As the global incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is on the rise, there is a need for better diagnostic criteria, better treatment options, early and appropriate diagnosis, adequate care, and a multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients. This systematic review explores the role of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in IPF and answers the question, "Does proton pump inhibitor improve only the prognosis of gastroesophageal associated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or for other types of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis too?" We used PubMed (PMC) and Google Scholar for data collection for this systematic review and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for conducting this review. After in-depth literature screening and quality appraisal, 12 articles were selected for this systematic review. On the one hand, the efficacy of PPI therapy is supported by research such as the CAPACITY and ASCEND trials, a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) investigating the role of omeprazole in IPF and a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study, respectively. On the other hand, a systematic review and meta-analysis on antacid and antireflux surgery in IPF negate these results and show no statistical significance. Questions regarding the efficacy of PPI therapy must be dealt with in an adequately powered multicenter and double-blinded randomized control trial. The anti-inflammatory properties of antacids can serve as the cornerstone for future trials. In the following systematic review, antacid, antireflux therapy, omeprazole, and proton pump therapy are synonymous with stomach acid suppression therapy.

Expectations, symptoms, and quality of life before and after 1 year of Pirfenidone treatment in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A single-arm, open-label nonrandomized study

Background and Aims

Antifibrotic therapies reduce lung function decline in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This single-arm, open-label, nonrandomized study aimed to determine the influence of antifibrotic treatment on patients' reported symptoms and expectations of the therapy.

Methods

Fifty-two patients with confirmed IPF at a mean age of 65 ± 8.63 years (73% male) completed the following surveys at baseline and after 12 months of Pirfenidone treatment: Short Form Healthy Survey (SF-36), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Baseline Dyspnea Index (BDI), Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), and Patient's Needs and Expectations Authors' Survey.

Results

The most important patients' needs were access to novel therapy, fast and easy access to health centers specializing in IPF treatment, and the improvement of the general condition or the maintenance of its level. These needs did not change with time, except for the significantly more important right of deciding on disease management after 12 months of treatment (p = 0.014). The quality of life per SF-36, after 1 year of Pirfenidone treatment, significantly improved in the physical cumulative score (p = 0.004) and mental cumulative score (p = 0.003). Significant deteriorations were observed in bodily pain and vitality. For the remaining questionnaires (SGRQ, BDI, FAS, and LCQ), no significant changes in the course of the study were noticed. Around one in 10 patients subjected to Pirfenidone therapy had achieved general symptom improvement in all areas; that is, quality of life improvement as well as cough and dyspnea reduction.

Conclusions

One year of antifibrotic treatment resulted in a general improvement in the quality of life per the SF-36 questionnaire. Patients' expectations of disease management did not change; also, access to novel therapies and easy access to health centers specializing in IPF management remained their top needs.

Palliative care and end of life management in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic disease with an unknown etiology that causes deterioration of the structure of the lung parenchyma, resulting in a severe and progressive decline in respiratory function and early mortality. IPF is essentially an incurable disease, with a mean overall survival of 5 years in approximately 20% of patients without treatment. The combination of a poor prognosis, uncertainty about the disease's progression, and the severity of symptoms has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients and their families. New antifibrotic drugs have been shown to slow disease progression, but their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has to be proven yet. To date, studies have shown that palliative care can improve symptom management, HRQoL, and end-of-life care (EoL) in patients with IPF, reducing critical events, hospitalization, and health costs. As a result, it is essential for proper health planning and patient management to establish palliative care early and in conjunction with other therapies, beginning with the initial diagnosis of the disease.

Acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatic disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatic diseases, such as connective-tissue diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic vasculitis. Some patients with ILD secondary to rheumatic disease (RD-ILD) experience acute exacerbations, with sudden ILD progression and high mortality during or immediately after the exacerbation, and a very low 1-year survival rate. In the ILD subtype idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), an acute exacerbation is defined as acute worsening or development of dyspnoea associated with new bilateral ground-glass opacities and/or consolidations at high-resolution CT, superimposed on a background pattern consistent with fibrosing ILD. However, acute exacerbation in RD-ILD (AE-RD-ILD) currently has no specific definition. The aetiology and pathogenesis of AE-RD-ILD remain unclear, but distinct triggers might include infection, mechanical stress, microaspiration and DMARD treatment. At this time, no effective evidence-based therapeutic strategies for AE-RD-ILD are available. In clinical practice, AE-RD-ILD is often empirically treated with high-dose systemic steroids and antibiotics, with or without immunosuppressive drugs. In this Review, we summarize the clinical features, diagnosis, management and prognosis of AE-RD-ILD, enabling the similarities and differences with acute exacerbation in IPF to be critically assessed.

Management of patients with fibrosing interstitial lung diseases

PURPOSE

This article summarizes the appropriate use and pharmacology of treatments for fibrosing interstitial lung diseases, with a specific focus on the antifibrotic agents nintedanib and pirfenidone.

SUMMARY

The interstitial lung diseases are a heterogenous group of parenchymal lung disorders with a common feature-infiltration of the interstitial space with derangement of the normal capillary-alveolar anatomy. Diseases characterized by fibrosis of the interstitial space are referred to as the fibrosing interstitial lung diseases and often show progression over time: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most common fibrotic interstitial lung disease. Historically, therapies for fibrosing lung diseases have been limited in number, questionable in efficacy, and associated with potential harms. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the antifibrotic agents nintedanib and pirfenidone for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 2014 heralded an era of reorganization of therapy for the fibrotic interstitial lung diseases. Subsequent investigations have led to FDA approval of nintedanib for systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease and interstitial lung diseases with a progressive phenotype. Although supportive care and pulmonary rehabilitation should be provided to all patients, the role(s) of immunomodulators and/or immune suppressing agents vary by the underlying disease state. Several agents previously used to treat fibrotic lung diseases (N-acetylcysteine, anticoagulation, and pulmonary vasodilators) lack efficacy or cause harm.

CONCLUSION

With the introduction of effective pharmacotherapy for fibrosing interstitial lung disease, pharmacists have an increasingly important role in the interdisciplinary team managing these patients.

Home-based unsupervised pulmonary rehabilitation program improves the respiratory disability in systemic sclerosis patients with dyspnea: an observational prospective study

Dyspnea is a common symptom in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) that considerably decreases patients' quality of life (QoL). Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) mitigates dyspnea impact on daily activities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect on respiratory disability of home-based PR in SSc patients with dyspnea. In this observational prospective monocentric study, we screened all dyspneic SSc consecutive patients attending the Rheumatological day hospital in the University hospital of Parma from January 2019 and June 2019. The aim of our study was to understand if a PR unsupervised home-based program could improve respiratory disability in this specific population. Dyspnea was evaluated with the self-administered questionnaires modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) and  Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ).Patients also filled in Short Form 36 (SF36) and the Modified-Health Assessment Questionnaire for SSc (HAQ-MOD). Health Professionals assessed and trained the patients and collected data before PR and at the end of the program. PR consisted in 5 weekly unsupervised sessions for 8 weeks. Wilcoxon test for paired data evaluated the changes after PR. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. 46 SSc patients were included (43 female). Only 31 (29 female) performed PR as planned (Adherent Group-AG) while the others gave up within the first week (Non-Adherent Group-NAG). All SGRQ domains (Symptoms: from 30 to 18; p=0.0055; Activity: from 47 to 35, p=0.23; Impact from 29 to 25, p=0.044) and SGRQ total score (from 35 to 29; p=0.022) improved in AG. SGRQ scores did not change in NAG as well as SF36 and HAQ-MOD in both groups. The home-based PR program dramatically decreased the effect, frequency and severity of respiratory symptoms. Conversely, it slightly changed the activities causing breathlessness and dyspnea-related social functioning disturbances. PR appears to be a useful tool in treatment strategies aiming to achieve a QoL improvement in SSc patients.

Effects of Systemic Enzyme Supplements on Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis-A Pilot Study

Current FDA-approved antifibrotic treatments for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis slow down disease progression but have little impact on symptoms or quality of life in patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of systemic enzymes in relieving symptoms associated with PF and improving quality of life.

METHODS

an open-label, prospective study on subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of PF was conducted as proof-of-concept. The subjects (n = 13) received the oral systemic enzyme supplements Serracor-NK and Serra Rx for 12 weeks and completed Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) questionnaires. The effect of this regimen was examined by comparing the end-of-treatment questionnaire scores with baseline values.

RESULTS

significant improvement was seen in 61.5% of subjects, as assessed by the WHO well-being index; an improvement in scores was seen in 84.6% of the subjects, as assessed by the UCSD Shortness of Breath Questionnaire, with 38.4% of the subjects showing minimal clinically important difference; the supplementation was found to be efficacious in 69.2%, 84.6%, 69.2% and 61.5% of the subjects, as assessed by the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire total, symptom, activity, and impact scores, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Serracor-NK and Serra Rx improve symptoms, as well as mental and physical wellbeing and HRQL in patients with PF.

Post hoc Analysis of Clinical Outcomes in Placebo- and Pirfenidone-Treated Patients with IPF Stratified by BMI and Weight Loss

BACKGROUND

Weight loss is frequently reported in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and may be associated with worse outcomes in these patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between body mass index (BMI) and weight loss, and outcomes over 1 year in patients with IPF.

METHODS

Data were included from placebo patients enrolled in ASCEND (NCT01366209) and CAPACITY (NCT00287716 and NCT00287729), and all patients in INSPIRE (NCT00075998) and RIFF Cohort A (NCT01872689). An additional analysis included data from pirfenidone-treated patients. Outcomes (annualized change in percent predicted forced vital capacity [%FVC], percent predicted carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, 6-min walk distance, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score, hospitalization, mortality, and serious adverse events) were analyzed by baseline BMI (<25 kg/m2, 25 kg/m2-<30 kg/m2, or ≥30 kg/m2) and annualized percent change in body weight (no loss, >0-<5% loss, or ≥5% loss).

RESULTS

Placebo-treated patients with a baseline BMI <25 kg/m2 or annualized weight loss may experience worse outcomes versus those with a baseline BMI ≥25 kg/m2 or no weight loss. The proportion of placebo-treated patients who experienced a relative decline of ≥10% in %FVC or death up to 1 year post-randomization was highest in patients with a baseline BMI <25 kg/m2. Pirfenidone-treated patients with an annualized weight loss ≥5% may also experience worse outcomes versus those with no weight loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a baseline BMI <25 kg/m2 or annualized weight loss of >0-<5% or ≥5% may experience worse outcomes over 1 year versus those with a baseline BMI ≥25 kg/m2 or no weight loss.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Physician and patient perspectives on the pathway to care from symptom recognition to diagnosis and disease burden

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive disease that requires ongoing care and is associated with considerable socioeconomic burden. We evaluated the IPF care pathway from symptom recognition to treatment. We describe the impact of IPF on healthcare resource use (HCRU), quality of life (QoL) and work impairment, and report differences in patient and physician perspectives using real-world data from France, Germany, Japan and the United States.

METHODS

Quantitative, point-in-time data were collected as part of the Adelphi IPF II Disease Specific Programme™. Physician-reported data (patient demographics, medical history, diagnoses, treatment) were matched to patient-reported data (HCRU, QoL, work impairment). HCRU was measured as physician visits and hospitalizations. QoL and work impairment were measured using the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaires.

RESULTS

Overall, 244 physicians reported data on 1249 patients, 739 of whom self-reported data. Diagnostic delays of 0.8 (Germany) to 2.0 (Japan) years after symptom onset were reported; treatment initiation was further delayed. In all countries, patients more often reported symptoms in the survey than did their physicians. On average, patients underwent 7-10 clinical tests before diagnosis. Antifibrotic use increased from 57% (2016) to 69% (2019); only 50% of patients with moderate/severe IPF were satisfied with their treatment. The 12-month hospitalization rates were 24% (Japan) to 64% (United States). Patients reported low QoL (mean EQ-5D visual analogue scale: 61.7/100).

CONCLUSION

Patients with IPF experience considerable diagnostic and treatment delays. More effective therapies and management are needed to reduce the disease burden.

Care programs and their components for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The multidimensional and complex care needs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) call for appropriate care models. This systematic review aimed to identify care models or components thereof that have been developed for patients with IPF in the outpatient clinical care, to describe their characteristics from the perspective of chronic integrated care and to describe their outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using state-of-the-art methodology with searches in PubMed/Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Web Of Science. Researchers independently selected studies and collected data, which were described according to the Chronic Care Model (CCM).

RESULTS

Eighteen articles were included describing 13 new care models or components. The most commonly described CCM elements were 'delivery system design' (77%) and 'self-management support' (69%), with emphasis on team-based and multidisciplinary care provision and education. The most frequently described outcome was health-related quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the high need for integrated care and the scarcity and heterogeneity of data, developing, evaluating and implementing new models of care for patients with IPF and the comprehensive reporting of these endeavours should be a priority for research and clinical care.

Patient-reported outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures in interstitial lung disease: where to go from here?

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), tools to assess patient self-report of health status, are now increasingly used in research, care and policymaking. While there are two well-developed disease-specific PROMs for interstitial lung diseases (ILD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), many unmet and urgent needs remain. In December 2019, 64 international ILD experts convened in Erice, Italy to deliberate on many topics, including PROMs in ILD. This review summarises the history of PROMs in ILD, shortcomings of the existing tools, challenges of development, validation and implementation of their use in clinical trials, and the discussion held during the meeting. Development of disease-specific PROMs for ILD including IPF with robust methodology and validation in concordance with guidance from regulatory authorities have increased user confidence in PROMs. Minimal clinically important difference for bidirectional changes may need to be developed. Cross-cultural validation and linguistic adaptations are necessary in addition to robust psychometric properties for effective PROM use in multinational clinical trials. PROM burden of use should be reduced through appropriate use of digital technologies and computerised adaptive testing. Active patient engagement in all stages from development, testing, choosing and implementation of PROMs can help improve probability of success and further growth.

PROMs are essential tools for research and care in ILD and IPF. They report patient perceptions of the impact of disease and its treatments on whole-person wellbeing and can guide research to make care more patient-centred.https://bit.ly/3s7Y0a8

Rheumatoid arthritis related interstitial lung disease

INTRODUCTION

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) represents a frequent extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) deeply impacting both quality of life and overall prognosis. Areas covered: A literature search was performed including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Many retrospective studies investigated the possible risk factors for RA-related ILD (RA-ILD), aiming to identify patients at risk. Among them, males, smokers, positivity of anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies have been associated with RA-ILD, such as some genetic haplotypes. Usual interstitial pneumonia is the histologic and radiologic pattern most frequently observed, followed by nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. Since lung involvement can represent the RA onset, an early differential diagnosis with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia can be difficult or sometimes impossible. High-resolution computed tomography represents the gold standard for ILD diagnosis, while multidisciplinary discussion should be required to assess disease staging, severity and progression.  Expert opinion: Management of RA-ILD patients is challenging due to the lack of evidence-based data regarding both assessment and treatment. Moreover, the high variability of clinical presentation and evolution makes it difficult to establish the correct therapeutic strategy. Currently, multidisciplinary approach, including at least rheumatologists, pulmonologists, and radiologists, is desirable to define therapy and follow-up strategies.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis beyond the lung: understanding disease mechanisms to improve diagnosis and management

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive disorder with an estimated median survival time of 3–5 years after diagnosis. This condition occurs primarily in elderly subjects, and epidemiological studies suggest that the main risk factors, ageing and exposure to cigarette smoke, are associated with both pulmonary and extrapulmonary comorbidities (defined as the occurrence of two or more disorders in a single individual). Ageing and senescence, through interactions with environmental factors, may contribute to the pathogenesis of IPF by various mechanisms, causing lung epithelium damage and increasing the resistance of myofibroblasts to apoptosis, eventually resulting in extracellular matrix accumulation and pulmonary fibrosis. As a paradigm, syndromes featuring short telomeres represent archetypal premature ageing syndromes and are often associated with pulmonary fibrosis. The pathophysiological features induced by ageing and senescence in patients with IPF may translate to pulmonary and extrapulmonary features, including emphysema, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, coronary artery disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux, diabetes mellitus and many other chronic diseases, which may lead to substantial negative consequences in terms of various outcome parameters in IPF. Therefore, the careful diagnosis and treatment of comorbidities may represent an outstanding chance to improve quality of life and survival, and it is necessary to contemplate all possible management options for IPF, including early identification and treatment of comorbidities.

Effectiveness of Pharmacist-Physician Collaborative Management for Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Receiving Pirfenidone

Background: Pirfenidone is an anti-fibrotic agent used to treat patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Managing adverse drug events and ensuring compliance with pirfenidone treatment for a prolonged period are important to reduce the rate of disease progression. To maximize the benefits of pirfenidone treatment, we established and evaluated an ambulatory care pharmacy practice, a model of pharmacist-physician collaborative management, for patients receiving pirfenidone. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 76 consecutive patients treated with pirfenidone in the Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan, between January 2012 and January 2019. The first group (61 patients) received pirfenidone treatment as conventional management, whereas the second group (15 patients) started pirfenidone based on collaborative pharmacist-physician management. The drug discontinuation rate and time to drug discontinuation were compared between the groups. To analyze factors associated with pirfenidone discontinuation, we used a multivariate Cox regression analysis to evaluate the baseline characteristics of patients, including those receiving the collaborative management. Clinical outcomes were compared using a propensity score matched analysis. Results: In the collaborative management group, pharmacists made 56 suggestions, including suggestions for supportive care (51 suggestions), to the physicians. Among these suggestions, 52 were accepted by the physicians. The discontinuation rates at 3 [6.7% (1/15) vs. 26.2% (16/61)] and 6 [9.1% (1/11) vs. 36.1% (22/61)] months were lower in the collaborative management group than in the conventional management group. Multivariate analysis revealed that collaborative management [hazard ratio (HR) 0.34, 95% CI 0.08-0.96, p = 0.041] and predicted baseline forced vital capacity <60% (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.17-3.85, p = 0.015) were significantly associated with pirfenidone discontinuation. The time to drug discontinuation was also significantly longer in the collaborative management group than in the conventional management group (p = 0.034, log-rank test). Propensity score matched analysis confirmed a significant correlation between collaborative management and drug discontinuation time (HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.03-0.84, p = 0.027). Conclusions: We established an ambulatory care pharmacy practice for out-patients with IPF receiving pirfenidone. The results suggest that collaborative management may help prevent pirfenidone discontinuation compared with conventional management.

Diagnosis and management of connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease in Australia and New Zealand: A position statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand

Pulmonary complications in CTD are common and can involve the interstitium, airways, pleura and pulmonary vasculature. ILD can occur in all CTD (CTD-ILD), and may vary from limited, non-progressive lung involvement, to fulminant, life-threatening disease. Given the potential for major adverse outcomes in CTD-ILD, accurate diagnosis, assessment and careful consideration of therapeutic intervention are a priority. Limited data are available to guide management decisions in CTD-ILD. Autoimmune-mediated pulmonary inflammation is considered a key pathobiological pathway in these disorders, and immunosuppressive therapy is generally regarded the cornerstone of treatment for severe and/or progressive CTD-ILD. However, the natural history of CTD-ILD in individual patients can be difficult to predict, and deciding who to treat, when and with what agent can be challenging. Establishing realistic therapeutic goals from both the patient and clinician perspective requires considerable expertise. The document aims to provide a framework for clinicians to aid in the assessment and management of ILD in the major CTD. A suggested approach to diagnosis and monitoring of CTD-ILD and, where available, evidence-based, disease-specific approaches to treatment have been provided.

Lung complications of Sjogren syndrome

Primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands and by a number of systemic manifestations, including those regarding the lung. Pulmonary involvement in pSS includes interstitial lung disease (ILD) and airway disease, together with lymphoproliferative disorders.

Patients with pSS-ILD report impaired health-related quality of life and a higher risk of death, suggesting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of this type of pulmonary involvement. In contrast, airway disease usually has little effect on respiratory function and is rarely the cause of death in these patients.

More rare disorders can be also identified, such as pleural effusion, cysts or bullae.

Up to date, available data do not allow us to establish an evidence-based treatment strategy in pSS-ILD. No data are available regarding which patients should be treated, the timing to start therapy and better therapeutic options. The lack of knowledge about the natural history and prognosis of pSS-ILD is the main limitation to the development of clinical trials or shared recommendations on this topic. However, a recent trial showed the efficacy of the antifibrotic drug nintedanib in slowing progression of various ILDs, including those in pSS patients.

Primary Sjogren syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease with a possible lung involvement, that it appears as polymorphic, including interstitial lung disease, airway disease and lymphoproliferative disorders with different degree of severityhttps://bit.ly/3akjk4b

What Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Caregivers Want: Filling the Gaps With Patient Reported Outcomes and Experience Measures

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease, with a high mortality within the first 3-5 years from diagnosis and a poor quality of life mainly because of the burden of symptoms, such as dyspnea and cough, occurring usually many months before the diagnosis. Although available antifibrotic therapies slow down disease progression, they have no impact on quality of life. Moreover, health care around idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients is often "disease-centered" and relies on clinical surrogate outcomes that are poorly related to patients' quality of life and disease experience. Therefore, patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have several unmet needs in all domains of health that they wish to see recognized and addressed in the context of the treatment of their disease and its complications. In this review, we summarize the care pathway from the patients' perspective, identifying current gaps in care, education, support, and communication among patients with IPF, their caregivers, and care teams during the patient journey. The role of patient-reported outcomes (PROs), PRO measures (PROMs), and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) in their care is discussed, as well as the need of disease-specific PROs, PROMs, and PREMs.

A cross-sectional evaluation of the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patient satisfaction and quality of life with a care coordinator

Background

Canadian and international guidelines recommend specialized, multidisciplinary teams for the treatment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The objective of this cross-sectional clinical study was to investigate the effect of a care coordinator on IPF patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Methods

Forty IPF patients were enrolled from the practices of two physicians (n=20/physician), with either low (LCU) or high-coordinator use (HCU). Patient satisfaction was measured with modified FAMCARE and IPF Care UK Patient Support Program (UK-CARE) surveys. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed with the living with IPF impacts (L-IPFi) survey. An economic model assessed the impact of the coordinator; staff surveys informed patient management requirements, and costs were derived from published literature.

Results

Patient satisfaction was similar between the clinics; a trend (P=0.1) towards increased satisfaction among HCU patients was observed. Patients in the HCU clinic reported increased satisfaction (P<0.05) with their current care compared with care prior to joining the tertiary-care clinic, while LCU patients did not. IPF patient HRQoL did not differ between clinics. The coordinator was estimated to alleviate approximately 30% of a physician's IPF-related work load, and to facilitate the care of more patients per physician. Modelled estimates suggest the coordinator lead to annual cost-savings of $137,212.

Conclusions

Reliance upon a coordinator during routine management of IPF patients may improve patient satisfaction, spare physician time and lead to annual cost-savings. Future studies should examine the impact of a coordinator on healthcare resource utilization.

The work, goals, challenges, achievements, and recommendations of orphan medicinal product organizations in India: an interview-based study

BACKGROUND

Orphan medicinal products (OMPs) are intended for the diagnosis, prevention, management or treatment of rare diseases (RDs). Each RD affects only a small fraction of the population, and therefore, historically, industry hesitated to undertake relevant research and development (R&D). In response, the governments of many countries came up with orphan drug policies and RD policies which were hugely successful in incentivizing companies to do so. In India, in the absence of any such policy until recently, there are very few organizations involved in RD R&D.

OBJECTIVES

We wished to understand (i) the OMP Organizations' (OMPOs') areas of work and the nature of their work, (ii) their goals, (iii) the challenges they faced and how they were overcoming them, (iv) their achievements, and (v) their recommendations to the government to help their R&D, their success as commercial entities (where applicable), and patients' access to their products or services.

RESULTS

Ten of the 14 OMPOs are companies, whereas four are not-for-profit organizations. Almost all of the OMPOs are heavily into R&D. Six have already made their products or services available to patients. Four plan to out-license their products after the pre-clinical phase or phase 1 trials, eight plan to cater to patients directly and two of the OMPOs have been established only recently and thus do not yet have any product or service to offer patients. Nine OMPOs import about 90% of the components in the production process, which comprises either capital or recurrent expenditure. For most, locally manufactured alternatives are not available or are of inadequate quality. Most of the OMPOs have had productive collaborations with local or foreign academics or hospitals for R&D, animal efficacy studies, clinical trials or providing services to patients. The main challenges for the OMPOs are the lack of adequate funding, supportive government policies, and a conducive ecosystem.

CONCLUSIONS

These OMPOs are pioneers in their respective fields in India, and despite the challenges, have achieved new levels of innovation. With suitable government policies, they could scale up and provide relevant products and services to the large number of RD patients in the country whose medical needs are largely unmet.

Comorbidities in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: an underestimated issue

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fibrosing lung disease with a poor prognosis. Between 60% and 70% of IPF patients die of IPF; the remaining causes of death may be due to comorbidities occurring in this ageing population. Interest in the role played by comorbidities in IPF has increased in the past few years. The optimal clinical management of IPF is multifaceted and not only involves antifibrotic treatment, but also vaccinations, oxygen supplementation, evaluation of nutritional status as well as psychological support and patient education. Symptom management, pulmonary rehabilitation, palliative care and treatment of comorbidities represent further areas of clinical intervention. This review analyses the major comorbidities observed in IPF, focusing on those that have the greatest impact on mortality and quality of life (QoL). The identification and treatment of comorbidities may help to improve patients' health-related QoL (i.e. sleep apnoea and depression), while some comorbidities (i.e. lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases and pulmonary hypertension) influence survival. It has been outlined that gathering comorbidities data improves the prediction of survival beyond the clinical and physiological parameters of IPF.

Management of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Objective: Provide information for pharmacists on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and its treatment. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles with data from randomized controlled trials of nintedanib or pirfenidone were reviewed. Data Synthesis: IPF is a progressive and ultimately fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by decline in lung function and worsening dyspnea. It is uncommon and mainly occurs in individuals aged >60 years, particularly men with a history of smoking. Nintedanib and pirfenidone were approved in the United States for the treatment of IPF in 2014 and received conditional recommendations in the 2015 American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society/Japanese Respiratory Society/Latin American Thoracic Association treatment guidelines. These drugs slow the progression of IPF by reducing the rate of decline in lung function. Their adverse event profile is characterized mainly by gastrointestinal events, which can be managed through dose adjustment and symptom management. Management of IPF should also include smoking cessation, vaccinations, and supportive care such as patient education, pulmonary rehabilitation, and the use of supplemental oxygen as well as optimizing the management of comorbidities. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review provides clinical pharmacists with information on the course of IPF, what can be expected of current treatments, and how to help patients manage their drug therapy. Conclusions: IPF is a progressive disease, but treatments are available that can slow the progression of the disease. Clinical pharmacists can play an important role in the care of patients with IPF through patient education, monitoring medication compliance and safety, ensuring drugs for comorbidities are optimized, and preventive strategies such as immunizations.

Kisspeptin‑13 inhibits bleomycin‑induced pulmonary fibrosis through GPR54 in mice

Kisspeptin (KP) is an amidated neurohormone that is encoded by the KiSS-1 metastasis suppressor (KISS1) gene and serves as the endogenous ligand for G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54). KP is involved in the regulation of several biological functions, such as reproduction, cancer and atherogenesis. Recent data suggested that KP may induce atherosclerotic plaque progression and instability, which may be reversed by the GPR54 antagonist KP-234. Despite the KISS1 gene being previously reported as a downstream target of the classic transforming growth factor (TGF)/Smad2 signaling pathway, its role in fibrosis remains elusive. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of KP-13 (a product of the KISS1 gene) in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis model. Lung tissue samples were evaluated by quantitative PCR analysis, western blotting and ELISA. Daily intraperitoneal administration of KP-13 significantly ameliorated body weight loss, histopathological lung abnormalities and pulmonary collagen deposition induced by BLM. Furthermore, KP-13 downregulated the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, TGF-β, collagen type I α1, actin α2 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 in BLM-treated lungs compared with BLM group. Notably, the production of α-smooth muscle actin in lung tissues, as well as the pulmonary levels of TGF-β1 and phosphorylated-Smad2/3, was reduced following treatment with KP-13. The anti-fibrotic effects of KP-13 were reversed by KP-234 (an antagonist of GPR54), but not by Cetrorelix (an antagonist of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor). Furthermore, apoptosis-related proteins, such as Bax and caspase-3, were decreased, whereas Bcl-2 was markedly increased as determined by western blotting. Collectively, these data suggested that the KP/GPR54 signaling pathway may be a promising target for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Long-term evaluation of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with fibrotic idiopathic interstitial pneumonias

Background

Few studies have examined the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with fibrotic idiopathic pulmonary pneumonia (f-IIP). Here, we report the results of an observational study in routine clinical practice of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation for f-IIP patients.

Methods

A total of 112 consecutive patients (61 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 51 with fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis) were enrolled, of whom 65 had mild-to-moderate disease (forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥50% predicted and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (D_LCO) ≥30% predicted) and 47 had severe disease (FVC <50% predicted and/or D_LCO <30% predicted). The 2-month pulmonary rehabilitation programme consisted of a once-weekly visit with retraining, therapeutic education and psychosocial support. Patients were provided with an individualised action plan and were followed-up bimonthly for 12 months. Exercise tolerance (6-min stepper test (6MST)), mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)) and quality of life (QoL) (Visual Simplified Respiratory Questionnaire (VSRQ)) were assessed before (T₀), immediately after (T₂), 6 months after (T₈) and 12 months after (T₁₄) the end of the pulmonary rehabilitation programme.

Results

6MST strokes, HADS Anxiety score and VSRQ score were each significantly improved at T₂ (n=101), T₈ (n=76) and T₁₄ (n=62) compared with T₀ values. The improvements in outcomes were not influenced by disease severity or subtype. Patients who completed the study had significantly better baseline FVC and D_LCO values than those who did not.

Conclusions

Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation provides long-term benefits in exercise tolerance, anxiety and QoL for patients with f-IIP. Pulmonary rehabilitation should be prescribed systematically as part of the therapeutic arsenal for these patients.

This 12-month follow-up study shows that home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) provides long-term benefits for patients with fibrotic idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. Home-based PR offers an alternative to in-hospital or outpatient PR programmes.http://ow.ly/JVdw30nSOYz

Nonpharmacological therapies for interstitial lung disease

A PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) cause unpredictable degrees of fibrosis and inflammation in the lungs leading to functional decline and varying symptom burden for patients. Some patients may live for years and be responsive to therapy and others disease trajectory may be shorter and similar to patients with lung cancer. This ultimately affects the patient's quality of life as well as their caregiver(s).

B RECENT FINDINGS

Nonpharmacological therapies play an important role in treatment of interstitial lung disease. These include symptom management, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and palliative care. While ILDs are associated with high morbidity and mortality, different models of care exist globally. New tools help clinicians identify and address palliative care needs in daily practice and specialty nurses and ILD centers can optimize care.

C SUMMARY

This paper provides an overview of nonpharmacological therapies available for patients with interstitial lung disease.