CLINICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL PREDICTORS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE PROGRESSION OF NONSPECIFIC INTERSTITIAL PNEUMONIA

Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) is a heterogeneous subtype of interstitial lung disease characterized by varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis. Although many patients respond favorably to corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy, a significant proportion develop progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF), which leads to a steady decline in lung function and poorer survival outcomes. Early identification of clinical and immunological predictors is therefore crucial for timely intervention and improved prognosis.