KL-6 as a Marker in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Author Information
Author(s): Nathani Nazim, Perkins Gavin D, Tunnicliffe William, Murphy Nick, Manji Mav, Thickett David R
Primary Institution: University of Birmingham
Hypothesis
The elevation of KL-6 in ARDS is dependent upon the severity of neutrophilic inflammation.
Conclusion
KL-6 may represent a useful marker of alveolar type II cell dysfunction in ARDS since the levels reflect the severity of lung injury and neutrophilic inflammation.
Supporting Evidence
- Plasma KL-6 levels in ARDS patients were elevated compared with at-risk and normal control individuals.
- The plasma KL-6 level correlated with the Murray Lung Injury Score.
- BALF KL-6 levels were detectable in all ARDS cases and were lower in those who survived.
Takeaway
KL-6 is a protein that can show how bad lung damage is in patients with a serious breathing problem called ARDS. Higher levels mean more damage.
Methodology
Plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples were collected from ARDS patients, and KL-6 levels were measured using ELISA.
Potential Biases
Potential uncertainty about the cellular source of plasma KL-6 could limit its utility as a marker of lung epithelial damage.
Limitations
Sequential assessment of KL-6 was only possible in half of the patients due to early death or contraindications to bronchoscopy.
Participant Demographics
30 ARDS patients, 17 males and 13 females, mean age 62 years; 10 healthy volunteers, mean age 49 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI median difference = 31 to 397
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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