Predicting clinical outcome with phenotypic clusters using quantitative CT fibrosis and emphysema features in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Predicting clinical outcome with clusters in IPF

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common form of chronic, progressive, interstitial pneumonia with restrictive ventilator dysfunction and reduced gas exchange . The prognosis of IPF is poor overall, with mean survival ranging from 2.5 to 5 years after definite diagnosis . However, the clinical course of IPF varies substantially . Predicting the clinical course or outcome for an individual patient is important but difficult. Clinical variables correlated with survival include age, sex, smoking status, dyspnea, pulmonary functions, digital clubbing, body mass index, and pulmonary h