Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an incurable, progressive interstitial lung disease with a prognosis that is worse than that of many cancers. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a link between IPF and thrombotic vascular events. Coagulation and fibrinolytic systems play central roles in wound healing and repair, processes hypothesised to be abnormal within the IPF lung. Animal models of pulmonary fibrosis have demonstrated an imbalance between thrombosis and fibrinolysis within the alveolar compartment, a finding that is also observed in IPF patients. A systemic prothrombotic state also occurs in IPF and is associated with increased mortality, but trials of anticoagulation in IPF have provided conflicting results. Differences in methodology, intervention and study populations may contribute to the inconsistent trial outcomes. The new oral anticoagulants have properties that may prove advantageous in targeting both thrombotic risk and progression of lung fibrosis.
Abstract
A review of the coagulation system in IPF exploring scientific and clinical studies in this area http://ow.ly/OdXwX
Footnotes
Support statement: M.G. Crooks is funded by the UK National Institute for Health Research. No other specific funding was received.
Conflict of interest: None declared.
Provenance: Submitted article, peer reviewed.
- Received September 3, 2014.
- Accepted October 27, 2014.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015.
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