PFF Position Statements

As the field of pulmonary fibrosis continues to grow, sometimes issues arise where clinicians desire additional perspectives based on the currently available evidence, or in some cases, lack of published research on a particular subject. In a desire to meet these needs, working groups have been developed to provide views on these topics.

The position statements are produced by a group of clinicians in the field utilizing published data and expert opinion. The statements are intended to be informational in nature and meant to complement published guidelines and do not replace medical judgment on an individual basis.

Rural Outreach in Pulmonary Fibrosis

The goal of this statement is to increase awareness of pulmonary fibrosis in rural communities and to describe the Rural Health Initiatives of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF).

For patients

For healthcare providers

Pulmonary hypertension related to interstitial lung disease

Published: October 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition in which high blood pressure develops in the pulmonary arteries (blood vessels in the lungs). Learn more about the relationship between PF and ILD in our position statements.

For healthcare providers

For patients

Non-prescription supplemental oxygen

The PFF recommends that patients should only use FDA approved oxygen delivery devices as prescribed by their doctor and should not purchase an oxygen supply device without a prescription. Non-FDA approved oxygen delivery systems may not reliably deliver oxygen.

For patients with PF and healthcare providers

Palliative care

Updated: March 2023

Palliative care relieves symptoms and suffering and promotes the best possible quality of life for patients and their families.

For Healthcare Providers

For Patients with PF

Genetic testing in pulmonary fibrosis

Publish date: August 2023

A diagnosis of FPF should be suspected when a PF patient has at least one other closely related relatives affected by pulmonary fibrosis. These patients should be considered for genetic counseling and testing.

For Health Care Providers

For Patients with PF

Surgical lung biopsy

Publish Date: August 2019

A surgical lung biopsy (SLB) is an important diagnostic procedure in the evaluation of patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (fILD).

For Health Care Providers

Stem cell

Publish Date: January 2022

An update of stem cell/cell based therapies for pulmonary fibrosis beyond the context of clinical trials. A word of caution by the Medical Advisory Board of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

For Health Care Providers

For Patients with PF

High-resolution computed tomography

Publish Date: June 2018

Recommended protocol for HRCT for imaging those with suspected interstitial lung disease.

For Health Care Providers