Twelve month experience of a structured interstitial lung abnormality (ILA) pathway: insights and outcomes

Résumé fourni par la source

Rationale: Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) are frequently detected incidentally on thoracic CT scans. Follow-up strategies for ILAs vary. The Interstitial Lung Abnormality Research Consortium UK (ILARC-UK) has developed a standardised follow-up pathway, currently being piloted in four centres. Method: Individuals identified with an ILA at four UK centres were offered structured follow-up with periodic lung function testing and high-resolution CT imaging over a five-year period. Baseline clinical data were collected prospectively along with 6- and 12-month outcomes including lung function change, radiological progression and ILD diagnosis. Results: Between September 2023 and December 2024, 108 individuals with ILA (60 male, mean age 70.4±7.9) were assessed. 50 individuals had subpleural fibrotic ILA, 53 had subpleural non-fibrotic and 5 had non-subpleural non-fibrotic. 52 patients completed 6-month follow-up, and 28 completed the 12-month follow-up. Mean change in FVC % predicted was -0.11±SD 10.7 at 6 months and -1.95±10.17 at 12 months. Mean change in DLCO % predicted was -0.02±10.4 at 6 months and 1.31±11.6 at 12 months. Repeat CT scans were conducted for 35 individuals, with three exhibiting radiological progression. Three individuals were diagnosed with ILD within the 12-month follow-up period. One individual died due to non-respiratory related illness. Conclusion: We report the early outcomes of a structured follow-up pathway for ILA. Approximately 10% of individuals under follow-up have been diagnosed with ILD within 12 months, highlighting the importance of clinical vigilance in ILA.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.