Glucocorticoids Versus Placebo for the Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Patients will be enrolled during their hospitalization in pneumology department, as part of current practice, within 7 days of the screening visit. The investigator will perform randomization by connecting to the eCRF, randomization be stratified for the severity of IPF and the treatment with antifibrotic therapy (Nintedanib or Pirfenidone) (yes/no). If patient is randomized in Glucocorticoids Group: * Day 1, 2 and 3: Intravenous Methylprednisolone 10 mg/kg/d (without exceeding 1000 mg/d). Vials of injectable solution of methylprednisolone® are diluted in 100 ml of NaCl 0.9% or G5%. Perfusion duration is between 20 to 30 minutes. * From day 4 to Day 30: Oral Prednisone slow tappering * 1 mg/kg/d for 7 days * 0.5 mg/kg/d for 7 days * 0.25 mg/kg/d for 7 days, * 10 mg/d until Day 30. For 10mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.25 mg/kg; rounding to 5 decimal lower if decimal ≤ 7 and the top ten if decimal ≥ 8.

Patients will be enrolled during their hospitalization in pneumology department, as part of current practice, within 7 days of the screening visit. The investigator will perform randomization by connecting to the eCRF, randomization be stratified for the severity of IPF and the treatment with antifibrotic therapy (Nintedanib or Pirfenidone) (yes/no). If patient is randomized in Placebo Group: Day 1, 2 and 3: Intravenous Methylprednisolone-Placebo From Day 4 to Day 30: Oral Prednisone-Placebo The Methylprednisolone-Placebo corresponds to 100 ml of NaCl 0.9 % or G5%. Perfusion duration is between 20 to 30 minutes. For the Prednisone-Placebo, the placebo was an oral solution formulated with a bittering agent (pharmaceutical excipient). Specifically, in place of prednisone, sucrose octaacetate (defined as a GRAS-'Generally Recognized as Safe' excipient by the EMA) was used at 5 mg/mL.