Antifibrotic Treatment in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis (PPF): Real-World outcomes from a Single-Center study

Polat Yuluğ, Demet | Televi, Beyza | Unal, Fatma Sevval | Sucu, Damla Hazal | Balci, Yuksel | Nayci, Sibel | Ozge, Cengiz | Ozgur, Eylem Sercan

Abstract Introduction: Antifibrotic therapies are widely used in both idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF). We aim to compare the demographic, clinical characteristics, and long-term outcomes of IPF and PPF patients on antifibrotic treatment at 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. Methods and Materials: This was a retrospective single-center cohort study. Between January 2021 and January 2025, patients who initiated antifibrotic therapy were retrospectively included. Pulmonary function tests were recorded before treatment, at baseline, and at 6-month and 1-year follow-up visits. Additionally, baseline 6-minute walk test results and radiological data were also documented. Results: A total of 117 cases were included in the study, consisting of 76 IPF and 41 PPF. IPF patients were statistically significantly older than PPF patients (P < 0.001). The proportion of females was higher in the PPF group (P < 0.001). 52% of the cases used pirfenidone, while 48% used nintedanib. The most common subtype of PPF was connective tissue disease-associated ILD (48.8%), followed by nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (34.1%), and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (17.1%). In the PPF group, basal, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up FVC and DLCO values were statist...