Clinical Characteristics of Interstitial Pneumonia With Autoimmune Features (IPAF) - a Multicenter Prospective Study

"Regional anesthesia and sedation with use of lidocaine and midazolam will be performed, according to anesthesia protocols applied in respective endoscopy units. Intravenous cannula will be inserted prior to BF. During endoscopy, the patient will be monitored according to safety protocols applied in respective endoscopy units.~Bronchoalveolar lavage will be performed in the bronchus from the middle robe of right lung or the lingula of left lung (B4, B5). Localization will be chosen based on HRCT results and will be recorded in patient's medical history. Sterile solution of 0, 9% NaCl will be instilled. 200 ml fluid will be applied with a syringe in portions of 25 ml or 50 ml. It is recommended that minimum 60 % of the lavage fluid is retrieved."

a submaximal exercise test which entails measurement of distance walked over a span of 6 minutes. Blood pressure, pulse oximetry are measured directly before and after the test. The participant is also periodically asked about their dyspnea sensation

If SpO2 is measured to be \< 92%, an artery (radial or femoral) is punctured in order to take a sample of arterial blood. Then, the artery is compressed in order to prevent bleeding/ hematoma.

A vein will be punctured in order to take a blood sample for further tests