PP14 MAPPING THE SPECTRUM OF INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE: INSIGHTS FROM PULAU PINANG

Nor Syamimi Mohd Isa, Sumithra Appava, Deepa Priya Naidu Subramaniam, Kartiiben Nagarajan, Chiew Man Ee, Jaya Muneswarao, Irfhan Hyder Ali, Lalitha Pereirasamy
Hospital Pulau Pinang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Background and Aims

Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) encompassed group of lung disorders distinguished by varying degrees of progressive inflammation and lung fibrosis. Research unveiled significant geographical diversity in ILD prevalence, attributed by differences in genetic makeup, socio-economic status, environmental and lifestyle factors, all which are more pronounced in developing nations.  We aim to profiled the occurrence of ILDs in our facility, juxtaposing them with the existing evidence.

Methods

A cross-sectional study utilized retrospectively gathered data from our Respiratory Clinic. Those enrolled were diagnosed with ILD through multi-disciplinary team meetings, following the 2013 ATS/ERS ILD guidelines. The dataset comprised demographic information, lung function tests, imaging findings, and treatment approaches. Data were represented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and percentage, with categorical variables as constituent ratios.

Results

Our study identified 87 ILD patients, they are predominantly Chinese (39.1%) with mean age of 64.16 years-old (SD ±13.34) and male-to-female ratio of 1:1.49. The commonest ILD was Connective Tissue Disease–associated ILD (CTD-ILD) (77.6%), followed by Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP). In CTD-ILD group, preponderance of rheumatoid arthritis (23%) and Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP) CT-pattern were observed. From pulmonary hypertension (PH) screening performed on most, 17 cases found to exhibit PH. In total, 20.8% progressed to Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis (PPF), and 4 patients were discovered with lung cancer during course of follow-up. Significant 31.1% of patients were unfit for treatment due to late presentation. 

Conclusion 

CTD-ILDs were predominant in our cohort, unlike patterns seen in Europe/India where IPF and Sarcoidosis prevail. The notable incidence of concomitant PH emphasizes the complexity of management, and underscore the value of early detection and optimization.