Correlating Outcomes With Biochemical Markers to Estimate Time-progression in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

The objectives of this study are as follows: Specific Aim 1: Assemble a network of clinical centers to procure biologic samples from subjects with recently diagnosed IPF and follow these subjects for at least 48 weeks. Specific Aim 2: Correlate and integrate biologically plausible biomarkers of disease activity obtained from multiple compartments (SLB, BAL, TBB, blood) from the same subject with longitudinal measures of disease progression (change in forced vital capacity, change in diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis, and death). General Study Design This study will take place in two phases. During the first phase of the study we will identify and collect baseline specimens from subjects with either suspected or recently diagnosed (within 48 months) IPF. During the second phase of the study subjects with IPF will be followed from between 48 and 80 weeks. Subjects will be followed until the end of study (2 year grant award) or until they meet any part of a composite endpoint (death, acute exacerbation of IPF, relative decline in FVC of at least 10% or DLCO of 15%). This is a prospective cohort study. There is no treatment prescribed or studied as part of this prospective cohort study. Subjects are able to utilize any treatments prescribed by their physician, including participation in clinical trials as long as they are able to comply with the follow up schedule in this study.