Original scientific paper
Lung Lavage Neutrophils, Neutrophil Elastase and Albumin in the Prognosis of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
T. Peroš-Golubičić
A. Ivičević
A. Bekić
M. Alilović
J. Tekavec-Trkanjec
S. Smojver-Ježek
Abstract
The authors measured the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) neutrophils, neutrophil
elastase and albumin in 60 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, 18 patients
with other interstitial lung diseases and 14 healthy controls in order to evaluate its significance
in the prognosis of sarcoidosis. The concentrations were measured by enzymoimmunoassay
and radial immunodiffusion (LC plates). Obtained values were correlated
with some clinical indices, radiological stage and lung function values. The
patients were followed up for 22.3 6.8 months. At the end of observation period the
outcome of sarcoidosis has been evaluated upon the findings of chest radiograms and
lung function tests. The length of duration of the disease correlated with the lung lavage
neutrophil counts (r = 0.2535; p < 0.05). Significantly higher values of BALF elastase
were obtained in III radiologic stage than II and I. Patients with high BALF albumin
had more often dispnoa (p < 0.05) and chronic forms of the disease (p < 0.05). The values
were high in patients in II and III radiologic stage. Unfavorable outcome of chest radiograms
was announced by high BALF albumins (p < 0.05). The measurement of
BALF neutrophils, neutrophil elastase and albumin are helpful in clinical management
and estimation of the prognosis in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
28345
URI
Publication date:
18.6.2001.
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