Core Concepts
Understanding and tailoring treatment for CTD-ILD is crucial for patient outcomes.
Stats
ILD is categorized into exposures, familial disease, idiopathic causes, and ILD associated with systemic autoimmune disease.
Methotrexate is considered less concerning than TNF inhibitors for ILD treatment.
Patients with RA-ILD may be treated with azathioprine or rituximab.
The INBUILD study showed that patients with progressive fibrotic disease may worsen despite appropriate treatment.
IPAF is a research classification, not a clinical diagnosis.
Tocilizumab has been studied in early active disease but may not be a first-line agent for ILD.
Tacrolimus is effective in patients with MDA-5 antibodies.
IVIG is used in patients with MDA-5 antibodies and rapidly progressive ILDs.
Quotes
"It's never the wrong idea to ask a friend. When you encounter a patient with whom you're really struggling or about whom you're uncertain, refer to an ILD specialty center." - Dr. Danoff
"First, do no harm." - Dr. Danoff