Utility of Coagulation Markers for the Prediction of Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients with Dermatomyositis

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.