Microaspiration in Pulmonary Fibrosis

The Role of Microaspiration in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Hypothesis 1: Microaspiration, as diagnosed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) pepsin, is common in patients with IPF.

Hypothesis 2a: Baseline clinical variables and co-morbid conditions are risk factors for microaspiration in patients with IPF.

Hypothesis 2b: Baseline biological variables reflecting alveolar epithelial injury and inflammation are markers of microaspiration in IPF.

Hypothesis 3a: Microaspiration will lead to a more rapid rate of decline in pulmonary function.

Hypothesis 3b: Microaspiration will lead to higher rates of urgent medical care use (i.e. unscheduled clinic visit, emergency room visit, or hospitalization).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of IPF
• Ability ot provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of fundoplication or other gastroesophageal surgery
• Too ill to undergo bronchoscopy in the opinion of the investigator