Quality of life in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Latin American countries

Abstract

<bold>Background:</bold> Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the most common interstitial lung diseases characterised by worsening dyspnoea, lung function, and weight loss, all impacting on daily life. This study aimed to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in IPF patients in Latin America countries. <bold>Methods:</bold> Six countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, and Republica Dominicana) enrolled patients with IPF and answered: Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (SGRQ-I) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), additionally demographic characteristics, Torvan index and lung function test were assessed. IPF diagnosis was according to ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT 2018 criteria. <bold>Results:</bold> We enlisted 75 patients diagnosed with IPF; 81% were male, with an average age of 74±7. The total SGRQ-I score was 49±23, with a higher score in the activity domain of 70±23. Torvan index average was 17±6. We found that 28% presented anxiety and 35% depression. Patients requiring oxygen had a worse quality of life (total SGRQ-I 62±22 vs. 45±22, p=0.003) without finding differences by separate groups according to treatment with or without antifibrotic treatment. Lastly, we did not find differences in HRQoL when dividing groups according to their altitude above sea level, except for a higher frequency of anxiety in patients living at sea level. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> This is the first multicenter study conducted in referral ILD centers in Latin America to asses HRQoL in IPF patients. We found similar data compared to those reported in real-life European populations. We also found that anxiety and depression are prevalent. However, they are often underdiagnosed and therefore left untreated.