How is the clinical course of IPF?

Onset is indolent, inexorable progression over months to years. variable course (stability for years may be, maybe rapid onset with respiratory failure over months, maybe gradual progression with acute exacerbations and abrupt fatal hypoxemia respiratory failure) Spontaeous remission doesn't occur, survival mean 3-5 years, <15% survive past 10 years Older age and severe impairments in HRCT or PFT suggest poor prognosis.