title: Inflammatory markers in cystic fibrosis.
abstract: Plasma neutrophil elastase-alpha 1 antiproteinase complex, lactoferrin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined over a 15-month period in 26 patients with cystic fibrosis, of whom 21 were chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Median concentrations of both neutrophil products and CRP were greater in patients who were clinically stable than in healthy subjects without cystic fibrosis. CRP concentrations increased further at the onset of symptomatic exacerbations. Thirty-five courses of intravenous antibiotics and 22 courses of oral ciprofloxacin were reviewed and revealed similar improvements in clinical scores and lung function tests for both forms of treatment. Intravenous antibiotics reduced the plasma concentrations of both neutrophil products and CRP, while oral ciprofloxacin only significantly reduced the concentration of neutrophil elastase-alpha 1 antiproteinase complex. Plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers were significantly greater in exacerbations associated with fever and leukocytosis. Statistical modelling demonstrated negative within-patient relationships between lung function and both CRP and lactoferrin, and positive relationships between the three inflammatory markers. Neutrophil granule products and CRP reflect the pulmonary inflammatory state in cystic fibrosis and may be of value in monitoring treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, University of Nottingham, City Hospital, U.K.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Rayner
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Wiseman
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Cordon
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Norman
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Hiller
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Shale
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000097:blood*; D019272:Leukocyte Elastase; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase / Q000097:blood*; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013997:Time Factors; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D007781:Lactoferrin; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase; D019272:Leukocyte Elastase