Severity classification for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by using fuzzy logic

Authors

  • Agnaldo José Lopes State University of Rio de Janeiro; Pulmonary Function Laboratory
  • Domenico Capone State University of Rio de Janeiro; Pulmonary Function Laboratory
  • Roberto Mogami State University of Rio de Janeiro; Division of Radiology
  • Regina Serrão Lanzillotti State University of Rio de Janeiro; Institute of Mathematics and Statistics
  • Pedro Lopes de Melo State University of Rio de Janeiro; Biomedical Instrumentation Laboratory
  • José Manoel Jansen State University of Rio de Janeiro; Pulmonary Function Laboratory

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-59322011000600016

Keywords:

Fuzzy logic, Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Respiratory function tests, Respiratory mechanics, Tomography, X-ray computed

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To set out a severity classification for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) based on the interaction of pulmonary function parameters with high resolution computed tomography (CT) findings. INTRODUCTION: Despite the contribution of functional and radiological methods in the study of IPF, there are few classification proposals for the disease based on these examinations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out, in which 41 non-smoking patients with IPF were evaluated. The following high resolution CT findings were quantified using a semi-quantitative scoring system: reticular abnormality, honeycombing and ground-glass opacity. The functional variables were measured by spirometry, forced oscillation technique, helium dilution method, as well as the single-breath method of diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide. With the interaction between functional indexes and high resolution CT scores through fuzzy logic, a classification for IPF has been built. RESULTS: Out of 41 patients studied, 26 were male and 15 female, with a mean age of 70.8 years. Volume measurements were the variables which showed the best interaction with the disease extension on high resolution CT, while the forced vital capacity showed the lowest estimative errors in comparison to total lung capacity. A classification for IPF was suggested based on the 95% confidence interval of the forced vital capacity %: mild group (>92.7); moderately mild (76.9-92.6); moderate (64.3-76.8%); moderately severe (47.1-64.2); severe (24.3-47.0); and very severe (<24.3). CONCLUSION: Through fuzzy logic, an IPF classification was built based on forced vital capacity measurement with a simple practical application.

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Published

2011-01-01

Issue

Section

Clinical Sciences

How to Cite

Lopes, A. J., Capone, D., Mogami, R., Lanzillotti, R. S., Melo, P. L. de, & Jansen, J. M. (2011). Severity classification for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by using fuzzy logic . Clinics, 66(6), 1015-1019. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1807-59322011000600016