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Lucà S, Pagliuca F, Perrotta F, Ronchi A, Mariniello DF, Natale G, Bianco A, Fiorelli A, Accardo M, Franco R. Multidisciplinary Approach to the Diagnosis of Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias: Focus on the Pathologist's Key Role. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3618. [PMID: 38612431 PMCID: PMC11011777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias (IIPs) are a heterogeneous group of the broader category of Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs), pathologically characterized by the distortion of lung parenchyma by interstitial inflammation and/or fibrosis. The American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) international multidisciplinary consensus classification of the IIPs was published in 2002 and then updated in 2013, with the authors emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of IIPs. The histological evaluation of IIPs is challenging, and different types of IIPs are classically associated with specific histopathological patterns. However, morphological overlaps can be observed, and the same histopathological features can be seen in totally different clinical settings. Therefore, the pathologist's aim is to recognize the pathologic-morphologic pattern of disease in this clinical setting, and only after multi-disciplinary evaluation, if there is concordance between clinical and radiological findings, a definitive diagnosis of specific IIP can be established, allowing the optimal clinical-therapeutic management of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Lucà
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.L.); (F.P.); (A.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Francesca Pagliuca
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.L.); (F.P.); (A.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Fabio Perrotta
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (D.F.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Andrea Ronchi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.L.); (F.P.); (A.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Domenica Francesca Mariniello
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (D.F.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Giovanni Natale
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza Miraglia, 2, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.N.); (A.F.)
| | - Andrea Bianco
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (D.F.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Alfonso Fiorelli
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza Miraglia, 2, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.N.); (A.F.)
| | - Marina Accardo
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.L.); (F.P.); (A.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Renato Franco
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.L.); (F.P.); (A.R.); (M.A.)
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Liu S, Ye X. Assessment and Management of Cough in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Narrative Review. Lung 2023; 201:531-544. [PMID: 37934241 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-023-00653-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and fatal disease with an unknown cause. It is characterized by symptoms such as cough and breathlessness, which significantly impact patients' quality of life. Cough, in particular, has emerged as a burdensome symptom for individuals with IPF. The etiology of cough in IPF patients is believed to be complex, involving factors related to the disease itself, such as increased sensitivity of cough nerves, lung structural changes, inflammation, and genetic factors, as well as comorbidities and medication effects. Unfortunately, effective treatment options for cough in IPF remain limited, often relying on empirical approaches based on studies involving chronic cough patients in general and the personal experience of physicians. Medications such as opioids and neuromodulators are commonly prescribed but have shown suboptimal efficacy, imposing significant physical, psychological, and economic burdens on patients. However, there is hope on the horizon, as specific purinergic P2 receptor ligand-gated ion channel (P2X3) inhibitors have demonstrated promising antitussive effects in ongoing clinical trials. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evaluation and management of cough in IPF patients, as well as highlight emerging pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches that target the cough reflex and are currently being investigated in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangxiang Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Nanjing Jiangbei Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Ye
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, China.
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Palliative Care in Interstitial Lung Disease. Respir Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-81788-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Zou RH, Kass DJ, Gibson KF, Lindell KO. The Role of Palliative Care in Reducing Symptoms and Improving Quality of Life for Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Review. Pulm Ther 2020; 6:35-46. [PMID: 32048243 PMCID: PMC7229085 DOI: 10.1007/s41030-019-00108-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease with a median survival of 3-4 years from time of initial diagnosis, similar to the time course of many malignancies. A hallmark of IPF is its unpredictable disease course, ranging from long periods of clinical stability to acute exacerbations with rapid decompensation. As the disease progresses, patients with chronic cough and progressive exertional dyspnea become oxygen dependent. They may experience significant distress due to concurrent depression, anxiety, and fatigue, which often lead to increased symptom burden and decreased quality of life. Despite these complications, palliative care is an underutilized, and often underappreciated, resource before end-of-life care in this population. While there is growing recognition about early palliative care in IPF, current data suggest referral patterns vary widely based on institutional practices. In addition to focusing on symptom management, there is emphasis on supplemental oxygen use, pulmonary rehabilitation, quality of life, and end-of-life care. Importantly, increased use of support groups and national foundation forums have served as venues for further disease education, communication, and advanced care planning outside of the hospital settings. The purpose of this review article is to discuss the clinical features of IPF, the role of palliative care in chronic disease management, current data supporting benefits of palliative care in IPF, its role in symptom management, and practices to help patients and their caregivers achieve their best quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard H Zou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel J Kass
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease at UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kevin F Gibson
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease at UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kathleen O Lindell
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease at UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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