Clinical Profile of Idiopathic Non-specific Interstitial Pneumonia: A Retrospective Study from Western India

Abstract

Background. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) has now been accepted to be a distinct clinical entity. However, very limited data is available in western Indian population regarding its clinical presentation, treatment options and survival of patients diagnosed with idiopathic NSIP.Methods. A retrospective, observational analysis of clincial, radiological, treatment and survival of patients data collected from hospital records who were diagnosed with idiopathic NSIP over the six years was carried out.Results. Out of a total of 146 patients of interstitial lung disease (ILD), 46 (31.5%) patients diagnosed with idiopathic non-specific interstitial pneumonia were included in the study. There were 12 male patients. Mean age of female was 60.6 years and 60.5 years for male patients. Clubbing was seen in 12 (26%) patients. Fifteen (32.6%) patients were on anti-tuberculosis medications prior to the diagnosis of idiopathic NSIP. The mean forced vital capacity (FVC) in the present study was 56%. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest revealed reticulation with basal predominance in 35 (76%) patients and ground-glass opacities in 9 (19%). Median survival from initial visit was 29.6 months; while that from symptom onset was 46.2 months (p=0.03). Stabilisation of disease was seen in 26 (56.5%). Twenty patients died during the study period.Conclusions. Idiopathic NSIP is a disease of the elderly with female predominance with a five-year mortality of 25%. Late presentation worsened the prognosis.