Human epididymis protein 4 is a new biomarker to predict the prognosis of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease

• Published in: Respiratory investigation 2021-01, Vol.59 (1), p.90-98
• Main Authors: Nishiyama, Naoki, Masuo, Masahiro, Nukui, Yoshihisa, Tateishi, Tomoya, Kishino, Mitsuhiro, Tateishi, Ukihide, Morota, Kaori, Ohbo, Kazuyuki, Miyazaki, Yasunari
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomarker; Honeycombing; Human epididymis protein 4; Prognosis; Progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease
• ISSN: 2212-5345; 2212-5353
• DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2020.08.002

The clinical course and prognosis of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (PF-ILDs) vary between individuals. Notably, predictive serum biomarkers for disease management are needed. Serum human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is reportedly elevated in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); however, its clinical utility remains unknown. We evaluated the potential of serum HE4 as a biomarker for patients with PF-ILD. Serum HE4 was measured in a retrospective study consisting of 34 patients with PF-ILD and 40 healthy volunteers. The relationship between serum HE4 levels and clinical parameters or prognosis was investigated. To validate the significance of results obtained, a prospective observational study was performed in 37 patients presenting PF-ILD and 40 control patients without PF-ILD. Serum HE4 levels were higher in patients with PF-ILD than in healthy volunteers (P 238 pmol/L) were associated with an elevated mortality risk; hazard ratio (HR) 7.27, 95% CI 1.56–34.0, P = 0.01 in the derivation cohort; HR 44.3, 95% CI 4.19–468, P