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Combined Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) and Lung Ultrasound for ILD Screening in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Sclerosis
Sponsor: Assiut University
Summary
The goal of this observational study is to detect the lung affection in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA) or Systemic sclerosis (SSc) before appearance of symptoms(Subclinical) using combined diagnostic modalities which are Lung Ultrasound and a blood marker called Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15). The main question it aims to answer is: Does the combination of these 2 modalities have the diagnostic accuracy similar to the gold standard test which is High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of the Lungs? Does this combination have the potential to become a validated screening tool? Participants will be in 2 groups: the RA group and the SSc group, each will have the diagnostic combination and a reference HRCT for comparison of results.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
110
Start Date
2026-10-15
Completion Date
2028-12-01
Last Updated
2026-09-25
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Lung ultrasound
Lung Ultrasound, 14 point protocol
GDF-15 level (ELISA)
Serum sample will be collected and ELISA test will be conducted
CT scan
High resolution CT of the lungs