Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
8-2012
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Department
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Committee Chair
Roman, Jesse
Author's Keywords
Idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis; IFA; Fibrosis; Epidemiology; Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; Healthcare burden
Subject
Pulmonary fibrosis
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic lung disease with poor prognosis. To address this disease broadly, the candidate engaged in clinical work, literature analysis, database analysis, and laboratory work. The clinical work culminated in a case report that highlights the controversies inherent in the diagnosis and treatment of IPF. The literature analysis discusses ongoing clinical trials and challenges inherent in the management of IPF. Evaluation of a national database unveiled information about the burden of IPF on the healthcare system. Finally, the laboratory work examined the role of oxidant stress and the interaction of lung fibroblasts and lung cancer cells. Altogether, the document defines the clinical presentation of IPF, summarizes current treatment strategies and obstacles to the development of effective therapies, describes the burden of IPF to healthcare regarding hospitalization rates and costs, and beings to elucidate mechanisms by which IPF patients are more susceptible to lung cancer.
Recommended Citation
Fioret, Daniel, "Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis : diagnosis, management, and the search for a cure." (2012). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 437.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/437
