Circulating D dimer in patients with sarcoidosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between D dimer (DD) status and markers of disease activity in patients with sarcoidosis.


METHODS
Prospective, observational analysis.


METHODS
Pulmonary clinic of a tertiary care, university-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
Consecutive individuals with newly diagnosed sarcoidosis.


METHODS
Determination of serum DD.


RESULTS
The study cohort included 28 subjects, and DD was present in 39.3%. DD status correlated with the radiographic stage of disease (p = 0. 035), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (p = 0.026), serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level (p = 0.006), and the presence of dyspnea (p = 0.034). Patients with circulating DD were 3. 8 times more likely to have radiographic evidence of interstitial involvement. DD was not associated with either FVC or the FEV(1).


CONCLUSIONS
DD is frequently positive in patients with sarcoidosis. DD is associated with disease activity as measured by radiograph, pulmonary function tests, and serum markers of inflammation.
Shorr
A F
AF
Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Service, Department of Medicine, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307, USA. AFShorr@DNAMAIL.com
Hnatiuk
O W
OW
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D005260:Female; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D017565:Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D015415:Biomarkers; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; C036309:fibrin fragment D