Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to know the management of patients with diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with a systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) in pulmonology outpatient clinics in Spain. METHODOLOGY: The ILD work area of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) designed a self-completed questionnaire of 25 questions, on aspects related to the diagnosis and treatment of ILD-SAD. This was distributed among the attendees of the winter meeting of the ILD Area and later via e-mail to all the members of the ILD area of SEPAR. Participation was anonymous, voluntary and without consideration. RESULTS: 74 pulmonologists from 58 hospitals participated. 77% had a specialized ILD consultation. All Units with SEPAR accreditation had a committee made up of pulmonologists and radiologists and a majority participation of pathologists and rheumatologists. In 75% of the centers there was a close collaboration with Rheumatology for the management of ILD-SAD. 85% considered that the frequency of ILD-SAD consults is increasing, the most frequent being ILD associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment of ILD-SAD is decided by consensus between pulmonologist and rheumatologist in 91.3% of the cases. 67% of pulmonologists consider that immunosuppressants and biological therapies can slow down the progression of ILD-SAD. 51% use antifibrotics therapies in these pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all of the accredited Spanish ILD Units by SEPAR have established collaborations with Rheumatology for the adequate management of patients with ILD-SAD, this practice having been extended to units not yet accredited.