Baseline characteristics of patients with interstitial lung disease and idiopathic lung fibrosis diagnosed at age 40 or older and followed from 1995 through 2011.

<p>Data are n (%) or median (interquartile range). Baseline characteristics were at the date of diagnosis of interstitial lung disease and idiopathic lung fibrosis. The nested 1:2 matched study was matched on sex, diagnostic code (idiopathic lung fibrosis versus other), age at diagnosis, and year of diagnosis. Only interstitial lung disease/ idiopathic lung fibrosis patients using statins with two exact matching controls were included. Any interstitial lung disease treatment (azathioprine, N-acetylcystein, colchicine, systemic corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, methotrexat, thalidomide, and mycophenolate) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment (beta2-adrenergic agonists, anticholinergic medication, theophylline, and inhaled glucocorticoids) were available from 1995–2011. Residential city size designates the location for the longest period of residence. Level of education is the highest obtained level.</p><p>Baseline characteristics of patients with interstitial lung disease and idiopathic lung fibrosis diagnosed at age 40 or older and followed from 1995 through 2011.