In our cohort, which comprised only patients with SLE and IP, current smoking, serum KL-6, and NSIP + OP pattern on HRCT (vs. NSIP pattern) were significant prognostic factors according to multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses, as were comorbid other CTDs, thrombocytopenia, and anti-dsDNA antibody titre. The gene discussed is MUC1; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.