IPFchecker Project Helps Detect Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Introduction

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is classified among the usual interstitial pneumonias. It primarily occurs in adults, most of whom are over 50 years old. The etiology and pathogenesis of the disease are complex and not yet fully understood. The disease occurs more frequently in men and clinically manifests as chronic exertional dyspnea, cough, and cyanosis in later stages due to hypoxemia. It typically has an insidious onset with acute exacerbations.

The median survival time ranges from 2.5 to 3 years. Early initiation of antifibrotic therapy significantly increases the chance of prolonged survival. However, early detection of the disease is crucial for the success of antifibrotic therapy. Despite advancements in the diagnostic process of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, many patients remain undiagnosed.

IPFchecker Web Application

IPFchecker is a web application designed to assist pulmonologists and radiologists in accurately diagnosing and timely detecting patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Registration is required to utilize all capabilities of the application. Unregistered users can use the HRCT checklist, which contains important criteria for determining usual interstitial pneumonia. After registration and logging into the application, various other tools can be utilized. Primarily, it allows testing for symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis within the differential diagnostic process.

For a patient suspected of having idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a request for high-resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT) can be printed for a specific facility. Radiologists can then use the application to evaluate the HRCT for signs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In case of doubts, the option to consult the HRCT results with an experienced radiologist from a specialized center is invaluable.

Afterwards, the pulmonologist can assess the clinical symptoms and the HRCT findings and use the application to refer the patient to a specialized center or consult unclear cases.

Conclusion

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a serious progressive disease of the lung tissue. The lifespan of patients can be increased through early diagnosis and initiation of antifibrotic therapy. In this regard, the IPFchecker web application becomes an invaluable tool in helping diagnose and detect patients and subsequently refer them for therapy to a specialized center.

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Source: IPFchecker. Available at: https://ipfchecker.cz