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Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Sex Differences in IPF: Data from the German INSIGHTS Registry
Gabriela Leuschner1,2, Antje Prasse3,4,5,6, Jens Klotsche7
1Department of Medicine V, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany, gabriela.leuschner@med.uni-muenchen.de.
Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases
|February 16, 2026
Summary
In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), this German study found no survival or lung function differences between male and female patients. This contrasts with some international findings, suggesting regional variations in IPF progression.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) predominantly affects males, but gender-specific outcomes remain debated.
- Previous studies on sex differences in IPF mortality have yielded controversial results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-related disparities in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) concerning comorbidities, clinical course, and survival.
- To analyze gender differences in a large German IPF patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, non-interventional cohort study (INSIGHTS IPF registry) in 20 German centers.
- Analysis of sex-related disparities in comorbidities, clinical course, and survival among 1043 IPF patients.
- Statistical analysis including hazard ratios (HR) and confidence intervals (CI) for mortality predictors.
Main Results:
- 80.7% of IPF patients were male; males had higher rates of smoking and specific environmental exposures.
- Males showed more cardiac and respiratory comorbidities; females had higher rates of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and depression.
- No significant difference in all-cause mortality or lung function decline between genders was observed (HR 0.81 for all-cause mortality).
- The GAP score underestimated mortality in females in GAP Stage II.
Conclusions:
- The German INSIGHTS IPF registry found no significant differences in lung function decline or survival between male and female IPF patients.
- Observed outcomes suggest potential differences between European and US IPF cohorts regarding gender-specific impacts.
- Further research may clarify regional variations in IPF progression and outcomes.
