# Improved Survival in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Hospitalized for Acute Exacerbation

## TL;DR

This study found that patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis hospitalized for acute exacerbation have improved survival and reduced in-hospital mortality over the past decade.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates improved survival and reduced mortality in AE-IPF patients due to recent advances in treatment strategies.

## Key findings

- Group B patients had significantly longer survival times compared to group A.
- Group B had a lower in-hospital mortality rate and shorter ICU stays.
- Pharmacologic and supportive treatments are linked to better outcomes in AE-IPF patients.

## Abstract

Background: Patients suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) may experience acute exacerbation (AE-IPF), which frequently results in acute respiratory failure (ARF) requiring hospitalization. Objective: This study aims to determine if survival has improved over the last decade in patients hospitalized for ARF consequent to AE-IPF, in view of the progress recently made in pharmacological and supportive treatment strategies. Methods: This was an observational retrospective single-center study. The data of 14 patients admitted to an Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit (IRCU) between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2013 (group A) were compared with those of 26 patients admitted between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2023 (group B). This study’s primary endpoint was survival following IRCU admission. Results: Survival time was significantly longer in the second group of patients compared to the first one [median survival time: 134 (31–257) vs. 25.5 (20–50) days; p < 0.001]. Group B patients also had a lower IRCU mortality rate (6/26 vs. 10/14; p = 0.003) and a significantly shorter stay in the IRCU [6 (1–60) vs. 14 (1–43) days; p = 0.039]. Conclusions: Innovative pharmacologic treatments and supportive therapeutic strategies are able to prolong survival and reduce the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with AE-IPF hospitalized for ARF.