Innovative Approaches to Patient-centered Care and Research in Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a large, heterogeneous group of more than 200 diseases, that diffusely affect the lung. These diseases are often characterized by interstitial inflammation, interstitial fibrosis, or a combination of both. ILDs can broadly be classified in four groups. The first group encompasses ILDs with a known cause, such as underlying connective tissue disease or drug-induced ILD. The second and largest group are the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs); the most common IIP is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The third group consists of granulomatous disorders, of which sarcoidosis is the most prevalent entity. Sarcoidosis is a multi-organ, granulomatous disease of unknown etiology, with pulmonary involvement in around 90% of patients. The last group comprises rare ILDs, such as lymphangioleiomyomatosis. [...]

This thesis will primarily focus on IPF, fibrotic ILD and sarcoidosis.

The innovative approaches to patient-centered care and research presented in this thesis could be used to address identified needs and gaps in care, and thereby optimize the care pathway for patients with ILD. By using novel eHealth solutions and eNose technology we will gain increasing insights in disease behavior in individual patients in the future, facilitating personalized treatment.