PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - P Tukiainen
AU  - E Taskinen
AU  - P Holsti
AU  - O Korhola
AU  - M Valle
TI  - Prognosis of cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis.
AID  - 10.1136/thx.38.5.349
DP  - 1983 May 01
TA  - Thorax
PG  - 349--355
VI  - 38
IP  - 5
4099  - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/38/5/349.short
4100  - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/38/5/349.full
SO  - Thorax1983 May 01; 38
AB  - 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.