Epidemiology of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Australia

Abstract

Background: There is limited epidemiological data for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) in Australia.

Aim: Our study aimed to estimate the mortality, incidence, and prevalence rates of IPF in Australia for the period 1997-2015 and projections for 2016-2025.

Methods: Our estimates were generated utilising the Mortality Incidence Analysis Model (MIAMOD) method and software. This method is useful in situations where incidence and prevalence data are limited but mortality and registry data are available. Data from the Australian IPF Registry and population and death index data from the Australia Bureau of Statistics were used to generate estimates. Age standardised rates were based on the standard Australian population in 2011.

Results: There was an increasing trend in crude and age standardised mortality, incidence, and prevalence over the study period (1997-2015), however age standardised mortality, incidence and prevalence showed a decreasing trend over the projected period from 2017-2025. Highest crude and age standardised estimates were in persons 70 years and above and all estimates were higher in males than in females. Overall crude and age standardised estimates were mortality, 5.9 and 6.2 per 100,000 persons respectively; incidence, 10.4 and 11.0 per 100,000 person years, respectively; and prevalence, 32.6 and 34.3 per 100,000 persons, respectively.

Conclusion: Our study has revealed an increasing trend in mortality, incidence, and prevalence of IPF in Australia. This adds to the current evidence base for policy and planning decisions particularly related to resources for the management of patients with IPF. Moreover, this study serves as a benchmark for future research which will improve the knowledge base on IPF in Australia.