Hypersensitivity pneumonitis - experiences in treatment so far and opening up new possibilities

Introduction/Objective. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. It occurs due to an excessive immune response from inhaling an antigen (bacteria, fungi, or protozoa) previously sensitized to the patient. This study analyze the clinical characteristics of patients during 10 years (2014-2023) treated at the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina. Methods. Retrospective study was conducted including 74 patients. First phase included data collection, second included statistical data processing, third included the description of the obtained statistical parameters and discussion. Results. The average age was 57.61 ? 12.6 years; 52.7% men, 56.8% non-smokers. Most patients had one or more comorbidities (70.3%). There were only 27(36.%) patients hospitalized more than 3 times. Progression and regression occurred in 14(28%) patients, while cessation occurred in 22(44%). Fatal outcomes happened to 7(9.5%). It was determined that in patients with three or more comorbidities, ? 3 hospitalizations (9;34.6%) will occur more often than < 3 hospitalizations (2;4.2%) (Fisher`s exact test = 14.46; p = 0.04). By comparing the prognosis of disease to the number of hospitalizations, we found a statistically significant association (Fisher`s exact test = 13.95; p = 0.001). The progression of disease in patients with ? 3 hospitalizations (10;62.5%) happens more often than in patients with < 3 hospitalization (4;11.8%). Conclusion. To obtain adequate data on the success of the therapy and its impact on slowing down the disease further monitoring of patients who are on antifibrotic therapy is necessary.