Abstract
Background : Corticosteroids in combination with cytotoxic drugs are the mainstays of therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, there has been no regimen showing any survival benefit. The aim of this study was to describe a short-term clinical experience on interferon gamma-1b (IFN-${\gamma}1b$) therapy for IPF, as an antifibrotic agent. Methods : Medical records of 27 patients who were treated with IFN-${\gamma}1b$ (2 million IU, 3 times a week, subcutaneous injection) were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment response was assessed using ATS/ERS criteria in 17 patients who received IFN-${\gamma}1b$ for more than 6 months. In addition, we compared the efficacy of IFN-${\gamma}1b$ therapy with that of cyclophosphamide${\pm}$prednisolone therapy (n=26). Results : The median age of IFN-${\gamma}$ treated group (M:F=19:8) was 59 years (44-74 years). Compared to the patients who showed a stable response at 6 months (n=12), the deteriorated group (n=5) had worse baseline lung function (FVC, $55.4{\pm}11.3%$ vs. $70.7{\pm}10.9%$, p=0.019; DLco, $50.3{\pm}7.3%$ vs. $76.9{\pm}19.6%$, p=0.014). Lower baseline $PaO_2$ on room air breathing was observed in the deteriorated group ($68.6{\pm}7.8mmHg$ vs. $91.4{\pm}6.6mmHg$ p=0.001). Subcutaneous IFN-${\gamma}1b$ did not show better efficacy than prednisolone. Five patients discontinued IFN-${\gamma}$ because of severe side effects. ARDS developed in one patient, who eventually died. Conclusion : The administration of IFN-${\gamma}1b$ is not desirable for patients diagnosed with IPF with poor lung function. Long-term and large-scaled clinical studies are needed for its efficacy in IPF.
연구배경 : 특발성 폐섬유화증의 치료로서 항섬유화제제인 IFN-${\gamma}1b$로 단기간 치료 받은 환자들의 치료반응 및 부작용을 보고자 하였다. 방 법 : IFN-${\gamma}1b$ (200만 IU씩 주 3회 피하주사)로 치료받은 특발성 폐섬유화증 환자 27명을 대상으로 후향적 연구를 하였다. 이 중 6개월 이상 IFN-${\gamma}1b$ 치료를 받은 17명의 치료반응을 평가하여 cortico-steroids와 cyclophosphamide로 치료 받은 26명의 치료반응과 비교하였다. 결 과 : 1) 총 27명의 연령은 59(44-74)세 였고 남자가 19명(70%) 이었다. 2) 사망 및 진행을 보인 악화군(5명)은 안정군(12명)에 비해 치료 전 FVC(55% vs. 71%, p=0.019)와 DLco(50% vs. 77%, p=0.014)가 좋지 않았고, 치료전 동맥혈 산소분압(69mmHg vs. 91mmHg, p=0.001)도 낮았다. 3) corticosteroids와 cyclophosphamide로 치료 받은 26명과 IFN-${\gamma}1b$로 치료 받은 17명의 6개월 후 치료반응은 서로 차이가 없었다(p=0.73). 4) 부작용은 총 12명(44%)에서 발생하였고 이 중 5명은 심각한 약제 부작용으로 치료를 중단하였고 1명은 급성호흡곤란증후군으로 사망하였다. 결 론 : IFN-${\gamma}1b$의 단기간 치료는 폐기능이 좋지 않거나 진행된 상태의 특발성 폐섬유화증 환자의 치료로는 바람직하지 않으며 치명적인 부작용이 발생할 수 있으므로 조심스럽게 사용하여야 한다고 생각한다.
