The characteristics and outcomes of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis admitted to the ICU with acute respiratory failure

Background: To date, studies have provided conflicting results regarding the outcomes of patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) admitted to the ICU with acute respiratory failure (ARF). Objective: To understand the characteristics and outcomes of these patients. Methods: Retrospective study using a large single-center ICU database. We identified 48 unique patients with IPF admitted for ARF from 2001-2012. Results: The most common causes of ARF were IPF exacerbation and pneumonia. The overall hospital mortality rate was 43.8% and was 56.7% in those who required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). In patients requiring IMV for IPF exacerbation, the mortality rate was 81.3%. In multiple regression analysis, the presence of diabetes mellitus was associated with decreased mortality whereas the need for IMV was associated with increased mortality. Conclusions: Although the overall mortality rate for IPF patients with ARF has improved, the need for IMV due to IPF exacerbations is associated with increased mortality.