Table 3 Radiographic and Clinical Parameters used to Define Acute Exacerbations in patients with CPFE
From: Acute exacerbations of COPD versus IPF in patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema
Characteristics | Acute Exacerbations in CPFE | |
|---|---|---|
AE-COPD | AE-IPF | |
Baseline Imaging (HRCT) | Fibrosis and Emphysema are equal in predominance | Fibrosis predominance Fibrosis and Emphysema are equal in predominance |
Clinical Findings | Acute worsening of respiratory symptoms (airflow obstruction, increased sputum production and acute bronchospasm) | Acute hypoxic respiratory failure that is not explained by cardiac dysfunction, infection or fluid overload. |
Radiographic Findings | Airway wall thickening Lymphadenopathy Consolidations | New GGO Interlobular septal thickening Consolidations |
Treatments | Bronchodilators Corticosteroids +/− Antibiotics | High dose corticosteroids +/− Antibiotics |
Outcomes | Mechanical ventilation | Mechanical ventilation +/− ECMO |