Association between smoking and prognosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
PulmonologyJun 24, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPulmonology
Kyeongmin Kim, Jinwoo Seok, Hee-Young Yoon
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of smoking on clinical outcomes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) across 49 studies involving 32,974 patients. While overall mortality did not differ by smoking status, ever smokers had higher mortality in non-East Asian studies (HR 1.17) and lower mortality in East Asian studies (HR 0.75). Current smokers also had a higher risk of lung cancer (HR 1.88).
Key findings
- Ever smokers had higher mortality in non-East Asian studies (HR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.03-1.33).
- Ever smokers had lower mortality in East Asian studies (HR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62-0.91).
- Current smokers had a higher risk of developing lung cancer (HR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.24-2.87).
- No significant associations were found between smoking and acute exacerbations or baseline lung function.
Why it matters
Understanding the differential impact of smoking on IPF outcomes can inform clinical decision-making and patient counseling, particularly regarding regional variations in prognosis and cancer risk.