Sequential analysis of surfactant, lung function and inflammation in cystic fibrosis patients

• Main Authors: Paul Karl, Ballmann Manfred, Schmidt Reinhold, Essl Robert, Griese Matthias, Rietschel Ernst, Ratjen Felix
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2005-11-01
• Series: Respiratory Research
• Subjects: Surfactant protein; phospholipids; surface activity; pulsating bubble; capillary surfactometer; bronchoalveolar lavage; airway inflammation; lung function
• Online Access: http://respiratory-research.com/content/6/1/133

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In a cross-sectional analysis of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with mild lung disease, reduced surfactant activity was correlated to increased neutrophilic airway inflammation, but not to lung function. So far, longitudinal measurements of surfactant function in CF patients are lacking and it remains unclear how these alterations relate to the progression of airway inflammation as well as decline in pulmonary function over time.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>As part of the BEAT trial, a longitudinal study to assess the course of airway inflammation in CF, we studied lung function, surfactant function and endobronchial inflammation using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 20 CF patients with normal pulmonary function (median FEV₁94% of predicted) at three times over a three year period.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There was a progressive loss of surfactant function, assessed as minimal surface tension. The decline in surfactant function was negatively correlated to an increase in neutrophilic inflammation and a decrease in lung function, assessed by FEV₁, MEF_75/25%VC, and MEF_25%VC. The concentrations of the surfactant specific proteins A, C and D did not change, whereas SP-B increased during this time period.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our findings suggest a link between loss of surfactant function driven by progressive airway inflammation and loss of small airway function in CF patients with limited lung disease.</p>