Pirfenidone in Lung Interstitial Diseases: Indications and How to Evaluate its Effects. Issue 3 (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cuerpo, Sandra; Hernández-González, Fernanda; Xaubet, Antoni; Sellarés, Jacobo
• Is Part Of: Clinical pulmonary medicine. Volume 23:Issue 3(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: pirfenidone -- idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis -- antifibrotic treatment; Lungs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.24005
• DOI: 10.1097/CPM.0000000000000153
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1068-0640

Abstract

Abstract : Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the most severe forms of interstitial pneumonia with a progressive and irreversible course and a mean survival of approximately 3 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. Previous treatments with combinations of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs did not demonstrate their effectiveness in reducing mortality in IPF. Pirfenidone is one of the newly implemented antifibrotic treatments whose effectiveness has been assessed by recent clinical trials, demonstrating its ability to slow down the progression of the disease, improve exercise tolerance, and reduce mortality. Because of these encouraging results, the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicine Agency have recently approved its use in the treatment of IPF. Its distribution has been initiated not only in United States of America but also in several other countries. This article aims to review some of the most relevant articles concerning pirfenidone, with a summary of its indications, previous studies that support its use, possible adverse effects, and the clinical monitoring of patients. We also have hypothesized the potential use of pirfenidone in other interstitial lung diseases.