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Background and Objective: Little is known about the association between ambient air pollution and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in areas with lower levels of exposure. We aimed to investigate the impact of air pollution on lung function and rapid progression of IPF in Australia. Methods: Participants were recruited from the Australian IPF Registry (n = 570). The impact of air pollution on changes in lung function was assessed using linear mixed models and Cox regression was used to investigate the association with rapid progression. Results: Median (25th–75th percentiles) annual fine particulate matter (<2.5 μm, PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were 6.8 (5.7, 7.9) μg/m3 and 6.7 (4.9, 8.2) ppb, respectively. Compared to living more than 100 m from a major road, living within 100 m was associated with a 1.3% predicted/year (95% confidence interval [CI] −2.4 to −0.3) faster annual decline in diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLco). Each interquartile range (IQR) of 2.2 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with a 0.9% predicted/year (95% CI −1.6 to −0.3) faster annual decline in DLco, while there was no association observed with NO2. There was also no association between air pollution and rapid progression of IPF. Conclusion: Living near a major road and increased PM2.5 were both associated with an increased rate of annual decline in DLco. This study adds to the evidence supporting the negative effects of air pollution on lung function decline in people with IPF living at low‐level concentrations of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the most common forms of interstitial lung diseases. While studies have been conducted in other countries to determine the epidemiological burden of IPF, there is limited information in Australia. Our study aimed to address this gap and generate the first estimates for the mortality, incidence and prevalence of IPF in Australia. Methods: Estimates were generated by utilizing the novel Mortality Incidence Analysis Model (MIAMOD) method and software based on the illness–death model. Data inputs included population estimates and mortality data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for the period 1997–2015 and participant data from the Australian IPF Registry (AIPFR). Projections were estimated for a 10‐year period up to 2025. Results: Overall crude and age‐standardized estimates for mortality were 5.9 and 6.3 per 100,000 population; incidence, 10.4 and 11.2 per 100,000 population; and prevalence, 32.6 and 35.1 per 100,000 population. Crude and age‐standardized mortality, incidence and prevalence increased over the study period; however, they demonstrated a decreasing trend over the projected period. Persons older than 70 years constituted 9% of the population; however, they accounted for approximately 82%–83% of all deaths, incident and prevalent cases. All estimates were higher in males than in females. Conclusion: Our study provides the first estimates for incidence, prevalence and mortality of IPF in Australia. By reporting national estimates for IPF, our study addresses an information gap important for policy, planning and to help optimize the allocation of resources for the management of patients with IPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is little Australian epidemiologic data on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ( IPF), a relatively uncommon but devastating disease. The vast geographic distances in Australia have been a major impediment for collaborative research into IPF. A collaborative national effort, the Australian IPF Registry, has been formed, launched and is recruiting successfully ( n = 359, January 2014). Our experience provides unique insights for others wishing to set up IPF registries and in time for a global IPF registry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]