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What Is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)?
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a disease of inflammation that results in scarring, or fibrosis, of the lungs. IPF is designed to compare gamma interferon with placebo in a 2:1 ratio. In time, this fibrosis can build up to the point where the lungs are unable to provide oxygen to the tissues of the body. Doctors use the word "idiopathic" (from the Greek "idio" meaning "peculiar" or "unusual" and "pathy" meaning "illness") to describe the disease, because the cause of IPF is unknown. Currently, researchers believe that IPF may result from either an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, or the after effects of an infection, most likely a virus. Whatever the trigger is for IPF, it appears to set off a series of events in which the inflammation and immune activity in the lungs--and, eventually, the fibrosis processes, too--become uncontrollable. In a few cases, heredity appears to play a part, possibly making some individuals more likely than others to get IPF. In studies of patients with IPF, the average survival rate has been found to be 4 to 6 years after diagnosis. Those who develop IPF at a young age seem to have a longer survival.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Study
You may be eligible if you are currently diagnosed with mild to moderate Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Future studies are under review. Please check back later this year.
**All study related medications, procedures, and clinic visits are provided at no cost to participants and in most cases you may be reimbursed for time and travel.
If you are interested in any of the studies or more information, contact Sue or Anna at 314-439-LUNG (5864).
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