Risk Factors Of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis In Pakistani Population: A Matched Case-Control Studyy

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal lung disease with poorly understood risk factors.
• Identifying modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors is crucial for early detection and intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the demographic, environmental, and clinical factors associated with the risk of developing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted between January 2017 and September 2018 at two tertiary care centers in Karachi.
• Data were collected from 154 IPF patients (cases) and 305 controls using questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, GerdQ assessment, serological evaluations, and spirometry.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.

Main Results:

• Ethnicity (Urdu-speaking), higher number of persons per household room, and specific types of housing were significantly associated with an increased risk of IPF (p<0.05).
• No significant difference in mean age or gender distribution was observed between cases and controls.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease, serological markers, and spirometry data were also collected but not detailed in the provided results summary.

Conclusions:

• Ethnicity, housing type, and household density represent significant risk factors for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
• These findings highlight the importance of socioeconomic and environmental factors in IPF etiology.
• Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms linking these factors to IPF development.