Background: Drug-induced interstitial lung disease (DIILD) occurs as a result of numerous agents, but the risk often only becomes apparent after the marketing authorisation of such agents. Methods: In this PRISMA-compliant systematic review, we aimed to evaluate and synthesise the current literature on DIILD. Results: Following a quality assessment, 156 full-text papers describing more than 6000 DIILD cases were included in the review. However, the majority of the papers were of low or very low quality in relation to the review question (78%). Thus, it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis, and descriptive review was undertaken instead. DIILD incidence rates varied between 4.1 and 12.4 cases/million/year. DIILD accounted for 3–5% of prevalent ILD cases. Cancer drugs, followed by rheumatology drugs, amiodarone and antibiotics, were the most common causes of DIILD. The radiopathological phenotype of DIILD varied between and within agents, and no typical radiological pattern specific to DIILD was identified. Mortality rates of over 50% were reported in some studies. Severity at presentation was the most reliable predictor of mortality. Glucocorticoids (GCs) were commonly used to treat DIILD, but no prospective studies examined their effect on outcome. Conclusions: Overall high-quality evidence in DIILD is lacking, and the current review will inform larger prospective studies to investigate the diagnosis and management of DIILD.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial lung disease characterised by chronic, progressive scarring of the lungs and the pathological hallmark of usual interstitial pneumonia. Current paradigms suggest alveolar epithelial cell damage is a key initiating factor. Globally, incidence of the disease is rising, with associated high morbidity, mortality, and economic healthcare burden. Diagnosis relies on a multidisciplinary team approach with exclusion of other causes of interstitial lung disease. Over recent years, two novel antifibrotic therapies, pirfenidone and nintedanib, have been developed, providing treatment options for many patients with IPF, with several other agents in early clinical trials. Current efforts are directed at identifying key biomarkers that may direct more customized patient-centred healthcare to improve outcomes for these patients in the future.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic interstitial lung disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Previously, IPF has been managed using immunosuppressive therapy; however, it has been shown that this is associated with increased mortality. In the last 5 years, two disease-modifying agents have been licensed for use in IPF, namely pirfenidone and nintedanib. Nintedanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with antifibrotic properties that has also been shown to significantly reduce the progression of the disease. The scientific evidence shows that nintedanib is effective and well tolerated for the treatment of IPF in mild, moderate and severe stages of the disease. Real-world experiences also support the findings of previously conducted clinical trials and show that nintedanib is effective for the management of IPF and is associated with reducing disease progression. Gastrointestinal events, mainly diarrhoea, are the main adverse events caused by the treatment. Recent real-word studies also suggest that nintedanib stabilizes lung function till lung transplantation, with no increased surgical complications or postoperative mortality after lung transplantation. In this review, we will discuss the clinical trial evidence and real-world experience for nintedanib in the management of IPF.

Exhaled biomarkers may be related to disease processes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) however their clinical role remains unclear. We performed a systematic review to investigate whether breath biomarkers discriminate between patients with IPF and healthy controls. We also assessed correlation with lung function, ability to distinguish diagnostic subgroups and change in response to treatment. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched. Study selection was limited to adults with a diagnosis of IPF as per international guidelines. Of 1014 studies screened, fourteen fulfilled selection criteria and included 257 IPF patients. Twenty individual biomarkers discriminated between IPF and controls and four showed correlation with lung function. Meta-analysis of three studies indicated mean (± SD) alveolar nitric oxide (CalvNO) levels were significantly higher in IPF (8.5 ± 5.5 ppb) than controls (4.4 ± 2.2 ppb). Markers of oxidative stress in exhaled breath condensate, such as hydrogen peroxide and 8-isoprostane, were also discriminatory. Two breathomic studies have isolated discriminative compounds using mass spectrometry. There was a lack of studies assessing relevant treatment and none assessed differences in diagnostic subgroups. Evidence suggests CalvNO is higher in IPF, although studies were limited by small sample size. Further breathomic work may identify biomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic potential.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common cause of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and carries a worse prognosis than many cancers. Until recently, there were no active treatment options available for patients with IPF, meaning palliation or lung transplantation in selected patients were the only options. The management of IPF has changed dramatically over the last decade with the advent of two antifibrotic agents; pirfenidone and nintedanib. These new agents have been shown to reduce decline in lung function and pirfenidone has been shown to reduce mortality. The changing landscape of IPF diagnosis and management present a number of issues that may be encountered including management of side effects related to antifibrotic therapy. This article aims to give an overview of the holistic approach to the management of patients with IPF, including antifibrotic management, symptom management and the invaluable role of the ILD specialist nurse.