Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) are a group of lung disorders that have an increase in scar tissue around the alveoli (or air sacs). Scar tissue around the alveoli happens for many reasons and may be associated with other disorders. Sometimes we know the reason for scar tissue buildup, but usually, we do not. Most – but not all – ILDs advance in severity over time, but the pace of progression can vary.
Although there are well over 200 interstitial lung diseases, the most common is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other ILDs such as cryptogenic organizing pneumonia and progressive upper lobe fibrosis have no known cause. Some ILDs are caused by autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma. Other interstitial lung diseases are due to occupational or environmental exposures, including asbestos, certain dusts, and bird feathers. The field is complicated and requires interaction of your pulmonary physicians with other experts in radiology, rheumatology, and pathology.
Research
Our ILD research team – led by Dr. Nasreen Khalil and Dr. Daniel Marinescu – does research on interstitial lung diseases at the population, patient, and cellular levels.
The University British Columbia respiratory clinic (located at Vancouver General Hospital and St. Paul’s General Hospital sites) excels in clinical research that observes trends in the population of patients with various interstitial lung diseases. We do these studies in association with seven other Canadian centres including the interstitial lung diseases group at St. Paul’s General Hospital (lead by Dr. Christopher Ryerson).
Our site seeks to develop basic science in the laboratory where we expect to study cells from patients with ILD. We can study the behaviour of individual lung cells to learn how we can intervene to interrupt the accumulation of scar tissue around the alveoli.
The Centre for Lung Health Clinic has conducted numerous clinical trials to test new medications for ILD. We are currently doing several clinical trials to assess the efficacy of medications to treat Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as well as other interstitial lung diseases.
Care
Our team of physicians has provided excellence in care for a variety of interstitial lung diseases since 2000. New patients at the clinic undergo tests to measure oxygenation in the blood and determine the size of their lungs. We also use radiology to visualize the whole lung. The ILD physician then discusses the lung condition and overall health with the patient. The physicians will also explain the radiology findings, results of various tests, potential diagnosis, further investigations that might be needed, and treatment options.
Patients receiving care for ILD have the opportunity to participate in an anonymous registry for interstitial lung diseases. The Canadian registry for interstitial lung diseases – called CARE–PF – is managed by Dr. Ryerson who is the national medical lead.
The diagram below illustrates some of the pathways of care for patients with ILD.
Click the PDF to view the diagram
Research
Our ILD research team – led by Dr. Nasreen Khalil and Dr. Daniel Marinescu – does research on interstitial lung diseases at the population, patient, and cellular levels.
The University British Columbia respiratory clinic (located at Vancouver General Hospital and St. Paul’s General Hospital sites) excels in clinical research that observes trends in the population of patients with various interstitial lung diseases. We do these studies in association with seven other Canadian centres including the interstitial lung diseases group at St. Paul’s General Hospital (lead by Dr. Christopher Ryerson).
Our site seeks to develop basic science in the laboratory where we expect to study cells from patients with ILD. We can study the behaviour of individual lung cells to learn how we can intervene to interrupt the accumulation of scar tissue around the alveoli.
The Centre for Lung Health Clinic has conducted numerous clinical trials to test new medications for ILD. We are currently doing several clinical trials to assess the efficacy of medications to treat Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as well as other interstitial lung diseases.
Care
Our team of physicians has provided excellence in care for a variety of interstitial lung diseases since 2000. New patients at the clinic undergo tests to measure oxygenation in the blood and determine the size of their lungs. We also use radiology to visualize the whole lung. The ILD physician then discusses the lung condition and overall health with the patient. The physicians will also explain the radiology findings, results of various tests, potential diagnosis, further investigations that might be needed, and treatment options.
Patients receiving care for ILD have the opportunity to participate in an anonymous registry for interstitial lung diseases. The Canadian registry for interstitial lung diseases – called CARE–PF – is managed by Dr. Ryerson who is the national medical lead.
The diagram below illustrates some of the pathways of care for patients with ILD.
Click the PDF to view the diagram