Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a broad
category of lung diseases characterized by scarring
or fibrosis of the lungs. Most of these diseases
have no known cause. Some of the known causes
include occupational and environmental exposure
(asbestos, silica, hard metal dusts, bacteria,
animal proteins, gases, fumes), drugs (chemotherapeutic
agents, antiarrhythmics, and antibiotics), radiation,
residue of active infection of any type, and
connective tissue disease (systemic lupus erythematosus,
rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, polymyositis/dermatomyositis).
The Penn Interstitial Lung Disease Program
was the first in the Delaware Valley specifically
dedicated to the care of patients with this group
of disorders. The program offers a multidisciplinary
approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients
with interstitial lung disease. It includes experts
in the fields of pulmonary medicine, thoracic
surgery, radiology, pathology, nutrition, and
rehabilitation medicine.
After a comprehensive
evaluation, we will discuss the diagnosis and
management which may include immunosuppressive
therapy, antifibrotic therapies, as well as
other experimental approaches. In addition, the
possibility of lung transplantation is also discussed.
The Penn Lung Transplant
Program is the most experienced
in the Delaware Valley and one of the most
active centers nationally.
Reflecting our expertise in interstitial lung
disease, our program is an active participant
in multiple drug trials, having participated
in over 5 random design placebo-controlled trials
in IPF.
Location
Hospital
of the University of Pennsylvania
3 Ravdin, Suite F
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 10104
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