Treating IPF--all or nothing? A PRO-CON debate.
The Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease with poor prognosis. It is distinct from other idiopathic interstitial pneumonias by its histopathological pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia which is characterized by accumulation of fibroblasts, extracellular matrix and honeycombing. Inflammation is only scarce in true IPF. The use of anti-inflammatory therapy is still part of guidelines for IPF management, although not specifically recommended, because convincing evidence showing beneficial effects of this approach is lacking. This review provides a summary of important arguments PRO and CON using anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant therapy for patients with IPF in form of a debate with a concluding statement of both positions at the end.
Behr
Jürgen
J
Division of Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine I, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany. juergen.behr@med.uni-muenchen.de
Kolb
Martin
M
Cox
Gerard
G
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D054990:Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents