Several prognostic factors for idiopathic AE have been reported, including PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 250, serum CRP level ≥ 5.5, and diffuse IPF pattern on HRCT [14, 15]; however, prognostic factors for postoperative AE have yet to be reported. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.