Cross-sectional study shows significant sex and age-related variations in pulmonary hypertension risk among adults with IPF, suggesting tailored management approaches.
Rationale Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a frequent and serious complication of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), contributing to increased morbidity, hospitalizations, and mortality. Although PH is well-documented in IPF, the influence of demographic factors, particularly age and sex on its prevalence and associated risk factors remains inadequately understood. Clarifying these relationships is essential for developing personalized approaches to screening, diagnosis, and management. A more nuanced understanding of how age and sex affect PH risk could lead to earlier identification and targeted interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.1-4 Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) spanning the years 2016 to 2020. Hospitalizations involving adult patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of IPF were identified using ICD-10 codes. PH was determined based on the presence of coexisting diagnostic codes. To explore the impact of age, patients were stratified into three groups: those younger than 65 years, those aged 65 to 74 years, and those aged 75 years and older. Sex-based comparisons were also performed. Weighted analyses were used to estimate national prevalence rates. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to identify independent predictors of PH within each age and sex subgroup. These models were adjusted for demographic variables and relevant comorbidities, including congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).³ Results Overall PH prevalence: ∼25% among IPF hospitilizations.3 Differences by sex and age were statistically significant (p < 0.01) 1,3 Conclusions Our findings suggest that both age and sex significantly influence the risk profile for PH in patients with IPF. These demographic factors are associated with distinct patterns of comorbidities that may contribute to PH development. Incorporating age and sex specific risk assessments into clinical practice could enhance early detection and facilitate more effective, individualized management strategies for patients with IPF. References: 1. Rodríguez-Arias C, García-Álvarez A. Sex differences in pulmonary hypertension. Front Aging. 2021;2:727558. doi:10.3389/fragi.2021.727558 2. Sesé L, Cottin V, et al. Gender differences in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Front Med. 2021;8:713138. PMID: 34481209 3. Desai R, et al. Prevalence and predictors of pulmonary hypertension in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Chest. 2024. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2024.05.033 4. Cottin V, et al. Impact of gender on characteristics of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respiration. 2022;101(1):34-44. doi:10.1159/000529754 Disclaimer This research was supported in whole or in part by HCA Healthcare and/or an affiliated entity. Views are those of the authors, not necessarily of HCA Healthcare. This abstract is funded by: None
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