Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and pulmonary sarcoidosis represent a group of disorders characterized by diffuse parenchymal lung damage and chronic inflammation, leading to impaired lung function and gas exchange. These conditions may ultimately result in progressive respiratory failure and increased mortality. This study aimed to assess the global, regional, and national burden of ILDs and pulmonary sarcoidosis. METHODS: Data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database were used to analyze the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with ILDs and pulmonary sarcoidosis from 2000 to 2021. Temporal trends were evaluated using Joinpoint regression analysis, and the relationship between disease burden and the sociodemographic index (SDI) was explored by stratifying the data into five SDI categories. Age-standardized rates were calculated to adjust for differences in population structure, and data visualization was performed using R software. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2021, the global burden of ILDs and pulmonary sarcoidosis increased, as reflected by rising age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR), mortality rates (ASMR), and disability-adjusted life years rates (ASDR). Older adults, particularly those aged 75 years and above, bore the highest burden. High-SDI regions exhibited higher ASIR, likely due to better diagnostic capabilities, while low-SDI regions experienced higher ASMR and ASDR, potentially due to limited access to healthcare. Gender differences were observed, with males generally having higher rates than females. CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in diagnostics and treatment over recent decades, the global burden of ILDs and pulmonary sarcoidosis remains substantial, with marked disparities across age groups, genders, and SDI regions. Understanding these epidemiological patterns is essential for developing effective prevention and management strategies.