European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) affects a large proportion of people
with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the role of KL-6in patients with
SSc. For this objective, we studied the association between the KL-6 level, computed
tomography (CT) score, and pulmonary function tests in SSc patients.
Methods. 32 SSc patients underwent chest HRCT scans, pulmonary function tests
and serum KL-6measurement.We usedWarrick scoresto distinguish the severity and
extent of ILD at HRCT.KL-6 were sampled and measured, by enzyme linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:A positive correlation was found between serum KL-6 levels and the
Warrick score (r 0.871, P < 0.001). KL-6 levels inversely correlated to with forced
vital capacity(FVC%) (r-0.72, P < 0.001) , forced expiratory volume in
1second(FEV1%) (r -0.571, P < 0.001) and diffusion capacity for carbon
monoxide(DLCO%) (r -0.543, P < 0.001).
Conclusion:KL-6 levels correlate with findings seen in HRCTs and PFTs,
indicating that they serve to assess the severity of SSc-ILD.