Incidence, prevalence and mortality of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Australia

Background and objective

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the most common forms of interstitial lung diseases. While studies have been conducted in other countries to determine the epidemiological burden of IPF, there is limited information in Australia. Our study aimed to address this gap and generate the first estimates for the mortality, incidence and prevalence of IPF in Australia.

Methods

Estimates were generated by utilizing the novel Mortality Incidence Analysis Model (MIAMOD) method and software based on the illness–death model. Data inputs included population estimates and mortality data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for the period 1997–2015 and participant data from the Australian IPF Registry (AIPFR). Projections were estimated for a 10-year period up to 2025.

Results

Overall crude and age-standardized estimates for mortality were 5.9 and 6.3 per 100,000 population; incidence, 10.4 and 11.2 per 100,000 population; and prevalence, 32.6 and 35.1 per 100,000 population. Crude and age-standardized mortality, incidence and prevalence increased over the study period; however, they demonstrated a decreasing trend over the projected period. Persons older than 70 years constituted 9% of the population; however, they accounted for approximately 82%–83% of all deaths, incident and prevalent cases. All estimates were higher in males than in females.

Conclusion

Our study provides the first estimates for incidence, prevalence and mortality of IPF in Australia. By reporting national estimates for IPF, our study addresses an information gap important for policy, planning and to help optimize the allocation of resources for the management of patients with IPF.