Fibrosing ILD Biomarkers That Rule Acceleration

To establish the first Portuguese registry and biobank of PF-ILDs, comprising both extensive patient-level data, and systematic biological sampling (DNA, RNA, plasma, serum, bronchoalveolar lavage, lung tissue) at baseline and repeated biological sampling of blood and pharyngeal swabs performed at 6, 12 and 18 months, or whenever progression criteria are met or an acute exacerbation occurs. Participants will have regular visits at maximum intervals of 6 months, when their clinical condition and lung function tests are reassessed. A high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of the lung will be performed every 12 months. Progressive fibrosis will be diagnosed based on meeting at least two of the following three criteria, occurring within the last year: (i) worsening of symptoms; (ii) absolute decline in FVC ≥5% predicted or absolute decline in DLCO (corrected for Hb) ≥10% predicted; (iii) increased extent of fibrotic changes on HRCT.