One study has shown that PBMC from SSc patients with renal involvement produced less IL‐18 in response to stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) compared to those without renal involvement.4 However, studies in other autoimmune conditions, such as SLE, strongly suggest a role for IL‐18 in renal disease.26, 27, 28 Future research examining the potential role of IL‐18 in renal, cardiac and pulmonary SSc manifestations on a larger prospective cohort would be worthwhile. This evidence concerns the gene IL18 and systemic sclerosis.