Interstitial Lung Disease Seminar at Indus Hospital – A Multidisciplinary Approach

In a concerted effort to address the growing concern of Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD), the Pulmonology Department at Indus Hospital convened a significant seminar on October 12, 2023. This event sought to tackle ILD, often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis or heart failure and inadequately treated due to a lack of awareness.

The seminar featured a distinguished panel of ten specialists, with four of them hailing from outside Pakistan. Their collective emphasis was on the imperative of a multidisciplinary approach, involving radiologists and other medical specialties in the diagnosis and management of ILD. The establishment of regular Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) in teaching hospitals was highlighted as crucial.

The seminar’s proceedings commenced with an introduction by Prof Sohail Akhtar, Head of the Pulmonology Department at Indus Hospital, who not only set the stage but also presented two captivating ILD cases.

Prof Ali Zubairi, a prominent figure in the world of ILD at Aga Khan University and the Pakistan Chest Society, began the educational journey by delving into the “history and classification of ILD.” He also shared insights from the “Pakistan ILD Registry,” a significant initiative. His presentation shed light on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the most common variety of ILD, closely followed by connective tissue-related ILD. Additionally, he presented a challenging ILD case, highlighting the diagnostic complexities.

Subsequently, Prof Faisal Fayaz Zuberi, Head of Pulmonology at Dow University of Health Sciences, explored the “clinical presentation, course, and complications of ILD.”

Dr. Kashif Shazlee, former Chair of Radiology at Indus Health Network, provided insights on the “value of HRCT chest in diagnosing ILD,” elucidating the differentiation of various pathologies within ILD.

Dr. Saleem Anwar, a consultant respiratory physician and ILD team lead in Harlow, UK, presented an “evaluation in a case of ILD.” His expertise guided attendees on the diagnosis, prognostication, and appropriate tests in ILD cases, emphasizing the importance of individual assessments to avoid unnecessary tests.

Dr. Imran Nizami, a consultant transplant physician in Oklahoma, USA, delivered a live online presentation on “Lung transplantation in ILD cases,” drawing from his extensive 25-year experience. Notably, lung transplantation has seen a 60% success rate, with double lung transplantation being particularly promising due to post-surgery improvements in pulmonary vasculature.

Dr. Mosavir Ansarie, a senior consultant pulmonologist in Karachi and a lead figure in ILD in the Pakistan Chest Society, provided insights on “Hypersensitivity pneumonitis.” He highlighted common causes, including keeping pets at home, specific occupations, and environmental pollution.

Dr. Saleem Anwar returned to the podium to present on “Sarcoidosis,” focusing on its aspects related to interstitial inflammation and the management thereof.

Dr. Saima Saeed, a consultant pulmonologist at Indus Hospital, presented on “connective tissue-related ILD,” drawing from her four-year data of the CT-ILD clinic, jointly managed with rheumatologists and radiologists at Indus. She underscored that rheumatoid arthritis is the most common connective tissue disease, with systemic sclerosis being the most frequently associated with ILD. Such cases pose a dual disease burden, necessitating added medications and management of comorbidities.

Dr. Rafea Khan, a consultant and head of the Department of Radiology, engaged the audience with a “radiology quiz,” featuring five captivating cases.

Dr. Mujahid Hussain, a consultant pulmonologist at Indus Hospital, provided valuable insights into “idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,” recognized as the most common ILD worldwide.

The culminating presentation of the Continuing Medical Education (CME) event was delivered by Dr. Nazia Choudhury, a consultant respiratory specialist at Ulster University in Northern Ireland and Chair of the British Thoracic Society’s Rare ILDs Working Group. Her recorded talk centered on “cystic and rare interstitial lung diseases,” offering an overview of organizing pneumonia, LAM, and other cystic diseases. She provided guidance on the evaluation and management of these rare ILDs.

The seminar attracted a diverse audience comprising consultants and trainees in various medical specialties, including Pulmonology, Internal Medicine, Radiology, Rheumatology, and Family Physicians. Importantly, this CME event received accreditation for five hours from Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS).

In summary, the seminar at Indus Hospital served as a significant educational milestone, raising awareness and understanding of the complexities of Interstitial Lung Diseases. It emphasized the critical need for a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together medical experts from various fields to provide optimal care for patients with ILD.