ATS Pocket Guide 2013 - (Page 7)

Table 3 Implications of Recommendations for Patients, Clinicians, and Policy Makers Strong 1 Weak ‘‘Strong Yes’’ ‘‘Strong No’’ ‘‘Weak Yes’’ ‘‘Weak No’’ Patients Most patients would want the treatment intervention and only a small proportion would not Most patients would not want the treatment intervention and only a small proportion would The majority of patients would want the treatment intervention, but many would not. The use of this treatment may be a reasonable choice in a minority of patients. The majority of patients would not want the treatment intervention, but many would, i.e., the intervention should not be used in the majority of patients with IPF but may be a reasonable choice in a minority Clinicians Most patients should receive the recommended course of action Be more prepared to help patients to make a decision that is consistent with the patient’s own values Policy Makers The recommendation can be adopted as a policy in most situations There is a need for substantial debate and involvement of stakeholders IPF = idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. DEFINITION AND EPIDEMIOLOGY „ DEFINITION ■ Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a specific form of chronic, progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause, occurring primarily in older adults, limited to the lungs, and associated with the histopathologic and/or radiologic pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) defined in Table 4.1 ■ The definition of IPF requires the exclusion of other forms of interstitial pneumonia including other idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with environmental exposure, medication, or systemic disease. „ CLINICAL PRESENTATION ■ IPF should be considered in all adult patients with unexplained chronic exertional dyspnea, and commonly presents with cough, bibasilar inspiratory crackles, and finger clubbing.1 The optimal HRCT technique for evaluation of ILD is provided in Table 5. ■ The incidence of IPF increases with older age, with presentation typically occurring in the sixth and seventh decades.1 ■ IPF is rare in patients younger than 50 years of age.1 ■ IPF is more common among men than among women.1 ■ The majority of patients with IPF have a history of cigarette smoking.1 An American Thoracic Society Pocket Publication 7

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ATS Pocket Guide 2013

Contents

ATS Pocket Guide 2013

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/md_conference_express/ATSIPF
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com