Biomarkers of scleroderma lung disease: recent progress

Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2011 Feb;13(1):44-50. doi: 10.1007/s11926-010-0143-9.

Abstract

This article reviews the clinical background and significance of selected biomarkers that have been studied in relation to systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, a devastating connective tissue disease whose morbidity and mortality are often related to pulmonary complications. Interstitial lung disease is the most common pulmonary manifestation in systemic sclerosis, and the search for a noninvasive biomarker to assess and monitor patients and their lung disease is a nascent and expending field of study. In this article, we examine the background and significance of a variety of selected biomarkers and assess their role in relation to systemic sclerosis–related interstitial lung disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / blood*
  • Lung Diseases / etiology*
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / complications*

Substances

  • Biomarkers