Pulmonary rehabilitation in individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: what is the evidence?

Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive and idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, uncured, with fatal issue in 3 months to 4 years after diagnosis. Quality of life (QOL) of patients with IPF is weak, with many respiratory symptoms. Improving QOL and symptoms can occur with pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). However, there are few national studies on the subject and this rehabilitation has little place in Brazil. Objectives: To investigate scientific evidence available on the RP in patients with IPF. Methods: Systematic review of secondary studies: policies, guidelines and systematic reviews in English and Portuguese, published between 2000 and 2016 in the data bases: BVS, Cochrane Library, PEDro, PubMed, Scielo Org. Descriptors and their specific correlates were identified in the Medical Subject Headings (MESH) and the Descriptors in Health Sciences (DECS). The question PICO was: P: individual with IPF, I: pulmonary rehabilitation, O: outcome: worsening of free time, dyspnea, distance walked in 6-minute walk test, oxygen saturation (SpO2), QOL, forced vital capacity (FVC) and survival. Methodological quality was assessed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the Revised Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (R-AMSTAR). The degree of recommendation and practical suggestions were based on the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Results: Six articles were included with good methodological quality. The RP is recommended for most individuals with IPF - degree of recommendation B. Conclusion: The RP was able to positively improve most of the outcomes and should be included in the list of therapeutic approaches for individuals with IPF who want to achieve it.(AU)