CHEST Guidelines-Viral-Infection-Increases-the-Risk-of-Idiopathic-P

Viral-Infection-Increases-the-Risk-of-Idiopathic-P

Pdf Summary

The meta-analysis conducted by Gaohong Sheng and colleagues explored the association between viral infections and the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic, progressive lung disease with unclear etiology. The researchers reviewed 20 case-control studies encompassing 1,287 participants from 10 countries to quantitatively assess viral contributions to IPF development.<br /><br />The analysis highlighted that viral infections significantly increase the risk of IPF (Odds Ratio, OR: 3.48; 95% CI: 1.61-7.52; P=0.001), though they do not notably exacerbate IPF (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.47-2.12; P=0.988). Specifically, persistent infections with viruses like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7), and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) show a significant risk elevation, while human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) did not. The study suggests these viruses may be potential risk factors for IPF due to their chronic presence rather than triggering IPF exacerbations.<br /><br />The results contribute to ongoing discussions about IPF's pathogenesis and its environmental and biological influencers. Findings suggest chronic viral infections may disturb lung architecture and contribute to fibrotic changes, thus raising IPF risk. The authors also noted that the study's retrospective design and small sample sizes in some analyses limit the interpretation of causality.<br /><br />Publication bias and heterogeneity factors were addressed using several statistical techniques to ensure result validity. Despite these challenges, the research underscores the need for further investigations into antiviral treatments as potential therapeutic approaches for managing IPF in patients with viral infections. Overall, this comprehensive meta-analysis highlights the intricate role viruses may play in IPF's onset and progression.

Keywords

idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

viral infections

meta-analysis

Epstein-Barr virus

cytomegalovirus

human herpesvirus

risk factors

lung disease

antiviral treatments

fibrotic changes