The clinical respiratory journal
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Review Meta Analysis
Risk factors for acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive fibrotic disease limited to the lungs. The course of disease varies widely, with some patients experiencing acute respiratory deterioration, a condition called acute exacerbations of IPF (AE-IPF). The risk factors contributing to AE-IPF are unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the risk factors for AE-IPF. ⋯ Poor pulmonary function, mechanical procedures, higher serum KL-6 and secondary pulmonary hypertension were associated with increased risks of AE-IPF.