Abstract
BACKGROUNDS: Pirfenidone and acetylcysteine monotherapy are anti-fibrotic drugs used for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: IPF. Pirfenidone has been approved in some Asian and European countries recently, but usage experience in practical clinics is still limited.
METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed general information and clinical characteristics in 70 consecutive patients with IPF treated with pirfenidone in one university hospital.
RESULTS: The study comprised 70 patients (77% male) with an average age of 68.1 ± 7.4 years old. The baseline forced vital capacity: FVC and percentage predicted FVC were 2.28 ± 0.81L and 71.3 ± 21.0%. Pirfenidone administration doses were 600mg in 11 cases (16%), 1200mg in 36 cases (51%), 1600mg in 1 case (1%), and 1800mg in 22 cases (32%). Average administration period was 355 days. Deterioration of respiratory status was defined as 10% or greater decline in percentage predicted value of FVC after 6-month treatment. Stable pulmonary function was showed in 64% cases. As adverse effects, appetite loss (43%), diarrhea (10%), general fatigue (13%), rash (5%), headache (8%) and stupor (3%) were seen, and adverse effects was main reason of pirfenidone withdrawal.
Conclusion: More than half of patients treated with pirfenidone showed stable respiratory status. To continue pirfenidone administration, it was important to control adverse effects.
- © 2014 ERS