Clinical Year in Review of Interstitial Lung Diseases: Focused on Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia.

Lee, Won Yeon

doi:2009.67.4.275

Tuberc Respir Dis > Volume 67(4); 2009 > Article

Review Article

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2009;67(4):275-280.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2009.67.4.275 Published online October 1, 2009.

Clinical Year in Review of Interstitial Lung Diseases: Focused on Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia.

Won Yeon Lee

Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea. wylee@wonju.yonsei.ac.kr

Abstract

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of diseases characterized by pulmonary interstitial inflammation. Finally the inflammation results in pulmonary fibrosis and impairment of oxygen transportation. The causes of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) are unknown. Diagnosis of IIP is not easy, especially distinguising between nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). First line treatments of IIP include corticosteroids and immune modulators, which have limited effect. Currently, several drugs are being researched to prevent and treat fibrosis. Newer drugs that may useful to treat pulmonary fibrosis include endothelin receptor antagonist, recombinant soluble TNF receptor antagonist, and cotrimoxazole. The causes of IIP are largely unknown, treatment is not specific, and prognosis is poor. Recent studies are underway to investigate the pathogenesis and treatment of IIP and pulmonary fibrosis. As the pathogenesis of IIP is elucidated, better treatments will emerge.

Key Words: Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, Usual interstitial pneumonia, Pulmonary fibrosis