Interstitial lung diseases frequency in a regional reference center in Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a large group of + 200 parenchymal pulmonary disorders. Relative frequency of ILD varies according to different sources.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the most prevalent ILD in the pulmonology service of a University Hospital in Brazil.

Methods: Prospective, observational study: were enroled all patients with ILD pattern HRCT disponible files attended at Pulmonology Service, Hospital Universitário Lauro Wanderley, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, in Brazil, from August 2019 to January 2021. Patients with previously known ILD diagnosis arriving from other services for respiratory evaluation were excluded, as seen like other population. All cases underwent multidisciplinary analysis for ILD diagnosis. Survey was approved by ethics committee.

Results: There were 64 cases of ILD; 12 patients were excluded, as they arrived at Pulmonology Service with a previous accurate diagnosis. Most cases excluded (8/15) came from Rheumatology Service and had connective tissue associated (CTD) ILD (mainly systemic sclerosis – 4/15). 52 patients were included, 55.8% female, median age 55.2 years. Median FVC was 56%. Histological study was performed in 38.4%. The most common diagnosis was chronic hypersensitivity pneumonia (23.1%), followed by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (17.3%), sarcoidosis (11.5%), CTD ILD (9.6%), silicosis (7.7%), acute HP (5.8%), criptogenic organizing pneumonia/chronic bronchiolitis/drug induced/gastroesophageal reflux (4.1% each) and Birt-Hogg-Dubè/ lymphangioleiomyomatosis/ pulmonary Langerhans cells histiocytosis/tuberculosis/unclassifiable ILD (1.9% each).

Conclusion: ILD most commonly diagnosed were HP, IPF, sarcoidosis and CTD-ILD.