The Role of the Respiratory Intermediate Care Unit in Interstitial Lung Disease Exacerbations: A Bridge to Lung Transplantation

The RICU should be considered a bridge therapy for patients who are ICU candidates and eligible for lung transplant during ILD exacerbations, potentially reducing ICU admissions. However, patients who are not ICU candidates face high short- and medium-term mortality risks. The significance of this study highlights the need to establish a specific RICU admission protocol for patients experiencing ILD exacerbations.