Early Detection of Pulmonary Fibrosis: Biomarkers and Imaging Techniques

Biomarkers and Imaging in Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosis

Abstract

Objective: To assess the diagnostic value of biomarkers (KL-6, SP-A, SP-D, MUC5B, and telomere length) and High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) imaging for distinguishing pulmonary fibrosis from healthy controls. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Settings: Department of Pulmonology, Saidu Teaching Hospital, Swat Pakistan. Duration: June 2024 to June 2025. Methods: The study included 150 patients, with 75 diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and 75 healthy controls. Biomarkers were measured, and HRCT imaging was performed for all participants. Statistical analysis included t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables, with p-values of less than 0.001 considered significant. Results: The study revealed significant differences in biomarkers between the fibrosis and control groups. KL-6 (240 ± 45 vs. 120 ± 35), SP-A (95 ± 15 vs. 45 ± 10), SP-D (60 ± 25 vs. 35 ± 20), MUC5B (70 ± 30 vs. 40 ± 15), and telomere length (12000 ± 2500 vs. 8000 ± 2000) showed p-values of less than 0.001. HRCT scans demonstrated distinct fibrotic patterns in the fibrosis group, with honeycombing (50.67%) and reticular patterns (28%). Conclusion: Biomarkers and HRCT imaging are effective tools for the early detection of pulmonary fibrosis. These findings support their use in clinical practice to diagnose and monitor disease progression, particularly in resource-limited settings.