Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS AND ANTIFIBROTIC THERAPY FOR INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE AND THEIR OUTCOMES

Ravi Prakash Degala*, Govinda Rao Kamala, E. Durga Bhavani, G. Manoj Raj, S. Bhavana Jasmine and L. Madhuri Dixth

ABSTRACT

Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) comprises a heterogeneous group of pulmonary disorders characterized by varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis. Management strategies often involve immunosuppressants and antifibrotic agents, yet their real-world efficacy and safety remain under-explored. Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with ILD treated with immunosuppressive and antifibrotic therapies in a prospective observational setting. Methods: This prospective observational study included patients diagnosed with ILD who received either immunosuppressive therapy, antifibrotic therapy, or a combination of both. Clinical data including demographics, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings, and adverse events were recorded at baseline and during follow-up. Primary outcomes included changes in forced vital capacity (FVC), disease progression, and overall survival. Results: Preliminary analysis suggests differential responses to therapy based on ILDsubtype. Patients receiving antifibrotic therapy showed a slower decline in FVC compared to those on immunosuppressants alone. Combination therapy was associated with stabilized lung function in selected subgroups. Adverse events were more frequent in the combination group but were generally manageable. Conclusion: Immunosuppressive and antifibrotic therapies demonstrate potential benefit in managing ILD, with outcomes varying by disease subtype and treatment regimen. Further stratification by ILD classification and long-term follow-up is warranted to optimize therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), Immunosuppressive Therapy, Antifibrotic Agents, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Lung Function Decline, Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)