Diagnosis and management of connective tissue disease‐associated interstitial lung disease in Australia and New Zealand: A position statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand*

• DOI: 10.1111/resp.13977
• Publication Date: 2020-11-25T06:28:42Z
• Authors: Adelle S. Jee; Robert Sheehy; Peter Hopkins; Tamera J. Corte; Christopher Grainge; Lauren K. Troy; Karen Symons; Lissa M. Spencer; Paul N. Reynolds; Sally Chapman; Sally de Boer; Taryn Reddy; Anne E. Holland; Daniel C. Chambers; Ian N. Glaspole; Helen E. Jo; Jane F. Bleasel; Jeremy P. Wrobel; Leona Dowman; Matthew J.S. Parker; Margaret L. Wilsher; Nicole S.L. Goh; Yuben Moodley; Gregory J. Keir
• Keywords: CTD; Fulminant

ABSTRACT Pulmonary complications in CTD are common and can involve the interstitium, airways, pleura pulmonary vasculature. ILD occur all (CTD‐ILD), may vary from limited, non‐progressive lung involvement, to fulminant, life‐threatening disease. Given potential for major adverse outcomes CTD‐ILD, accurate diagnosis, assessment careful consideration of therapeutic intervention a priority. Limited data available guide management decisions CTD‐ILD. Autoimmune‐mediated inflammation is considered key pathobiological pathway these disorders, immunosuppressive therapy generally regarded cornerstone treatment severe and/or progressive However, natural history CTD‐ILD individual patients be difficult predict, deciding who treat, when with what agent challenging. Establishing realistic goals both patient clinician perspective requires considerable expertise. The document aims provide framework clinicians aid CTD. A suggested approach diagnosis monitoring and, where available, evidence‐based, disease‐specific approaches have been provided.