Publications by authors named "Ayumi Fukatsu"
Background: The efficacy of antifibrotic agents in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has been demonstrated and early introduction is recommended, especially in patients with preserved performance status (PS). We aimed to determine the proportion of untreated IPF cases using real-world data and to assess the factors associated with non-intervention.
Methods: A prospective observational study using questionnaires was performed on 518 patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and their attending physicians who visited a clinic, general hospital, or tertiary respiratory center between December 2019 and October 2020.
Herein, we report the case of a 73-year-old woman with an occupational history of plaster grinding who developed autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) during the treatment of fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis with steroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Based on the changes in computed tomography imaging findings, poor response to steroid therapy, and markedly elevated KL-6 levels, PAP was suspected and diagnosed by bronchoscopy. Repeated segmental bronchoalveolar lavage under high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy resulted in slight improvement.
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- This study investigates the use of a simple measure (delta SpO2 during a sit-to-stand test) to predict pulmonary function issues in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), an area where traditional tests are challenging to conduct in primary care.
- Results showed a strong correlation between delta SpO2 and the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide, meaning delta SpO2 can effectively indicate gas exchange problems.
- The findings suggest that measuring delta SpO2 could be a valuable, accessible tool for identifying lung function impairments in ILD patients.