DNA concentrations in BAL fluid of cystic fibrosis patients with early lung disease: Influence of treatment with dornase alpha

Recombinant DNase (dornase alpha) was shown to improve lung function and reduce pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, but its effects on DNA concentrations in the lower airways remain unclear at the present time. As part of the Bronchoalveolar Lavage in the Evaluation of Anti‐Inf...

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Published in:Pediatric pulmonology 2005-01, Vol.39 (1), p.1-4
Main Authors: Ratjen, F., Paul, K., van Koningsbruggen, S., Breitenstein, S., Rietschel, E., Nikolaizik, W.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Recombinant DNase (dornase alpha) was shown to improve lung function and reduce pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, but its effects on DNA concentrations in the lower airways remain unclear at the present time. As part of the Bronchoalveolar Lavage in the Evaluation of Anti‐Inflammatory Treatment (BEAT) Study, a multicenter open study to evaluate the evolution of inflammation in CF patients with early lung disease and its modulation by dornase alpha treatment, we studied DNA concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of 48 CF patients with mild lung disease. After the initial BAL, 29 patients received daily treatment with 2.5 mg of dornase alpha; 19 patients served as controls. BAL was repeated after 18 months in all patients. Mean BAL fluid DNA concentrations were not different between groups at baseline (mean ± SD, 14.1 ± 6.9 μg/ml for controls, and 17.6 ± 11.2 μg/ml for the dornase alpha group), but higher than previously reported for infants with CF. A weak but positive correlation (P 
ISSN:8755-6863
1099-0496
DOI:10.1002/ppul.20134