PREVALENCE AND CHARACTERSTICS OF INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE IN ST. PAUL’S HOSPITAL MILLENNIUM MEDICAL COLLEGE CHEST CLINIC

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Interstitial lung disease (ILD) or Diffuse parenchymal lung disease refers to a heterogeneous collection disorder affecting the lung mainly the space between the alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelium. Although some of ILD causes are known (connective tissue disorder, environmental exposure), most of patients cause of ILD is unknown. Determining the risk factors that are associated with the development of ILD might have an important role in understanding the pathogenetic mechanism of ILD, early diagnosis, adequate treatment and prevention. Knowing local prevalence and associated factors will help to design preventive measures for those who are at high risk. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and Characteristics of ILD in patients visiting SPHMMC chest clinic from January 1, 2019-December 30,2021. METHOD Facility based retrospective analytical cross-sectional study was done among 311patients’ charts who have chest HRCT visited SPHMMC Chest clinic from January 1,2019-December 30,2021 to determine prevalence & characteristics ILD. The data was collected using data collection format which is prepared to meet the study objectives. Analysis was made on SPSS 24 software. Descriptive statistics, frequency and proportions were utilized for Socio- Demographic variables. The results were summarized using tables, graphs & texts. RESULT The prevalence of ILD was 7.9%(n=29). The three most common diagnosis from top to bottom in the chest clinic were Bronchiectasis (n=75, 19.6%), COPD (n=73, 19.1%), post TB fibrosis (n=35, 9.2%). ILD is the 4th most common diagnosis among studied patients in chest clinic in the studied period. Both NSIP & Sarcoidosis are the most common types of ILD with equal frequency each account 34.5% (n=10), followed by IPF(n=5,17.2%). The median age of patient with ILD was 55 years & female patients account for 69%. CONCLUSION ILD was the 4th most common diagnosis in the clinic following Bronchiectasis, COPD and post TB fibrosis. This study is alarming for the need for further larger population & facility-based studies in the topic & the need for proper diagnosis, management & prevention of ILD & need for creating awareness on importance of early treatment seeking behavior & prevention in the community.