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. 1983 May;38(5):349–355. doi: 10.1136/thx.38.5.349

Prognosis of cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis.

P Tukiainen, E Taskinen, P Holsti, O Korhola, M Valle
PMCID: PMC459556  PMID: 6879483

Abstract

We have analysed retrospectively 100 consecutive patients with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis, who were treated with corticosteroids and followed for at least three years. At the time of diagnosis biopsy specimens were available in 64 cases. The clinical, radiographic, physiological, and histological features and the response to steroid treatment have been correlated with the prognosis. An early objective functional improvement was observed in 30%. Analysis of the survival data (life table and log rank test) showed a longer survival in younger patients and in patients with a shorter duration of symptoms before presentation, less radiographic abnormality, and less impairment of diffusing capacity, but not clearly in patients with more cellular histological appearances. The most favourable prognostic sign seemed to be an early response to steroid treatment.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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