Pattern of interstitial lung disease in Southern India: A retrospective study

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) refer to a diverse group of acute and chronic lung conditions characterised by inflammation and fibrosis of the lung tissue. Limited information is available regarding the clinical patterns and profiles of ILDs in South India, and registry data in this region remain sparse. With advancements in the understanding of ILDs over time, establishing dedicated registries in India has become essential in improving the management and care of these conditions. The objective of our study was to understand the common ILD patterns in Southern India, appreciation of demographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with ILD and to demonstrate the feasibility of creating a large prospective registry for ILD.

This retrospective observational study was carried out in central Kerala over a duration of one year. A total of 100 patients were included in the study. Patients on treatment for tuberculosis (TB) and malignancy and patients with incomplete data were excluded. The data were analysed by Microsoft excel software and SPSS 19 version.

Out of 100 patients enrolled in the study, 62 were females. Connective tissue disease-related ILD was the commonest ILD (36 percent) followed by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (34 percent). High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) pattern showed a preponderance of usual interstitial pneumonia (50 percent) followed by the nonspecific interstitial pneumonia.

The need for a wide, possibly pan Indian and global ILD registry needs to be advocated and this might represent a possible game-changing step in the management of this otherwise, underdiagnosed condition.