Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Epidemiology, natural history and pathophysiology

While idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (1), it was once considered a rare, orphan disease. Today, epidemiologic studies suggest that the burden of IPF is considerably greater than previously recognized, and is growing. This highlights the importance of ongoing research into this devastating disease.