Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is not really a disease but a condition that may be related to disease that has shown a marked incidence in incidence recently. There is a rather sensational article in the Daily mail. 

Still it is a problem with 5000 new cases in the UK suspected in the next year.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Incidence Increasing in U.K. 

 The incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis clinical syndrome (IPF-CS) in primary care and mortality from IPF-CS measured by registered deaths in the United Kingdom have increased significantly in the 21st century, according to a study published online April 27 in Thorax. 

 The investigators identified a six-fold increase in the annual death certificate recording of IPF-CS from 0.92 per 100,000 in 1968-1972 to 5.10 per 100,000 in 2006-2008.

At present a genetic defect has been possibly linked to the condition. But that is not confirmed or well understood as of yet:


Common Gene Variant Linked to Lung Fibrosis

The variant in MUC5B occurred in 34% of patients with familial interstitial pneumonia and 38% of individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In contrast, fewer than 10% of participants in a control group had the variant.

From genetic to environmental factors to a pathogenic link - or a combination, this will be better understood as time goes on I guess. Perhaps not related (this is rapid onset) but none the less a rather interesting recent case in Seoul:

Woman dies of mystery virus

The victim was among eight patients who checked into the intensive care unit of a large hospital in Seoul last month for infection with an unknown virus She was initially diagnosed with tuberculosis and was medicated but soon showed signs of cerebral hemorrhage and rapidly developing-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

But it does show that even a broad range of causes may be involved in the condition. (although that sounds a lot like H1N1)