The findings dash hopes that antimicrobials would benefit patients with life-threatening idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The trial, however, will still benefit the battle against the deadly lung disease, the researchers say.
The findings dash hopes that antimicrobials would benefit patients with life-threatening idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The trial, however, will still benefit the battle against the deadly lung disease, the researchers say.
Antibiotics provide no benefit for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, study finds
Doctors have hoped that antibiotics could benefit patients with chronic lung diseases, but a new study has found no benefit for patients with life-threatening idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in preventing hospitalization or death.
While there were no statistical benefits for patients with the lung-scarring disease, the new research will prevent unnecessary antibiotic use that could contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. The nationwide clinical trial - believed to be the largest idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis trial ever conducted - also collected biological samples that will advance the understanding and treatment of the mysterious and ultimately fatal illness.