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KL-6 as a biomarker of respiratory complications in severely disabled children

Fumihiro Ochi1,2,3, Mitsumasa Fukuda1, Hiromitsu Ohmori2,4

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|November 19, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Serum KL-6 levels are important for evaluating chronic pneumonia in children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities-medical care-dependent (SMID-MCD) conditions. Higher KL-6 indicates abnormal lung status in these medically fragile children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Biomarkers in Respiratory Disease
  • Disability Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic pneumonia poses significant challenges in children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities-medical care-dependent (SMID-MCD) conditions.
  • Accurate assessment of respiratory status is crucial for effective management in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the significance of serum KL-6 levels in assessing stabilized chronic pneumonia among SMID-MCD children.
  • To determine if KL-6 can serve as a reliable indicator for respiratory complications in this specific pediatric group.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of serum KL-6, white blood cell count, and C-reactive protein in 20 SMID-MCD children.
  • Chest computed tomography (CT) scans were performed to assess lung status.
  • All assessments were conducted under stable respiratory conditions.

Main Results:

  • Serum KL-6 levels were significantly elevated in SMID-MCD children with abnormal chest CT findings (316 ± 39 U/mL) compared to those with normal CT (190 ± 11 U/mL).
  • The difference in KL-6 levels between groups with abnormal and normal CT was statistically significant (P = 0.0075).

Conclusions:

  • Serum KL-6 levels offer valuable insights for managing respiratory conditions in SMID-MCD children.
  • KL-6 can aid in identifying 'occult' or hidden chronic pneumonia, guiding appropriate respiratory care strategies.
Abstract

Keywords:
KL-6computed tomographyrespiratory infectionrespiratory problemsevere motor and intellectual disabilities

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