Interstitial Lung Diseases in Rheumatology Practice: A Single Center Experience

Objective: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a heterogeneous group of pulmonary diseases affecting the pulmonary interstitium. ILDs may occur secondary to connective tissue diseases (CTDs) and increase morbidity and mortality due to ventilation impairment. The aim of this study was to reveal the clinical, laboratory and imaging features of CTD-related ILDs (CTD-ILDs) and to analyze the treatment approaches. Material and Methods: A total of 132 consecutive ILD patients were included in this cohort. Demographic characteristics, laboratory and high-resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT) results and treatments were analyzed. results: There were 99 patients with CTD-ILD, the mean age was 54.7±11.6 years, females made up 82.8%, median follow-up time was 48.5 months. There were 96 patients who were followed up for more than six months. The median number of HRCT scans was 3 (1-10) with a median interval of 12.5 months. Most common HRCT findings were ground-glass opacities and interlobular septal thickening. One-third of all scans had a honeycomb pattern. 89.6% of CTD-ILD patients recieved corticosteroids, and 44.8% recieved antimalarials. Azathioprine and cyclophosphamide were the most commonly used immunosuppressive drugs. After treatment, the mean pulmonary function tests did not significantly differ from the baseline (p >0.05). 35% of the patients had improved forced vital capacity (FVC >10% increase) with treatment whereas 31% had decreased values and 34% were stable. conclusion: The desired point of the treatment of CTD-ILD patients has not been reached yet even though a significant effort is being made for the diagnosis, treatment and follow up. Novel curative agents are needed for patients with CTD-ILD.