The red blood cell distribution width is independently associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND: It is well known that inflammation-driven pathways play a significant pathogenic role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We assessed whether the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and the mean platelet volume (MPV), often related to inflammatory diseases, are associated with IPF.METHODS: RDW and MPV were measured in 77 IPF patients and 62 controls matched for age, sex and smoking status.RESULTS: The RDW, but not the MPV,...