We aimed to evaluate the utility of coagulation markers for the prediction of rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) in patients with dermatomyositis (DM). In this retrospective study, 29 patients with DM-associated ILD were analyzed. The number of patients with RP-ILD was 15 (52%). The baseline clinical and demographic data and laboratory markers were analyzed to identify predictive factors for RP-ILD.The univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that in addition to well-known laboratory markers, such as serum ferritin, KL-6, and lymphocyte counts, a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) ratio at the time of DM-associated ILD diagnosis was useful for predicting RP-ILD. Moreover, the logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that combinations of the aPTT ratio and well-known laboratory markers were significantly effective in predicting RP-ILD. This study suggested that an association between RP-ILD and the coagulation system exists.
Keywords: Activated partial thromboplastin time; Dermatomyositis; Interstitial lung disease; Rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease.