Serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor. A marker of disease activity in localized scleroderma.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether circulating serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) are elevated in patients with localized scleroderma, and if levels of sIL-2R can differentiate between active and inactive disease.


METHODS
Seventeen patients with localized scleroderma were categorized by overall physician assessment into active, inactive, and indeterminate groups, according to disease activity. Serum sIL-2R levels were analyzed and correlated with disease activity.


RESULTS
The mean sIL-2R level was significantly higher (P = 0.005) in those with active disease (1,675 +/- 823 units/ml) than in those with inactive disease (722 +/- 218 units/ml).


CONCLUSIONS
Serum sIL-2R levels are elevated in patients with localized scleroderma. When present, elevated sIL-2R levels appear to be able to differentiate active from inactive disease. This fact also suggests cell-mediated immune activation in this condition. Further serial studies are required to assess the value and sensitivity of sIL-2R levels in measuring changes in disease activity.
Uziel
Y
Y
Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Krafchik
B R
BR
Feldman
B
B
Silverman
E D
ED
Rubin
L A
LA
Laxer
R M
RM
D000293:Adolescent; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000097:blood*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis*; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000097:blood*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D015415:Biomarkers; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2