Relationship between sputum inflammatory markers, lung function, and lung pathology on high-resolution computed tomography in children with cystic fibrosis

• Published in: Pediatric pulmonology 2002-06, Vol.33 (6), p.475-482
• Main Authors: Dakin, Carolyn J., Pereira, J.K., Henry, Richard L., Wang, He, Morton, John R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers; Cell Count; Child; cystic fibrosis; Cystic Fibrosis - diagnostic imaging; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; high-resolution computed tomography; Humans; inflammation; interleukin-8; Interleukin-8 - analysis; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Male; Medical sciences; pulmonary function; Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry; Respiratory system; sputum; Sputum - chemistry; Sputum - cytology; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods; Ultrasonography; Vital Capacity
• ISSN: 8755-6863; 1099-0496
• DOI: 10.1002/ppul.10109

High‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is a sensitive technique for early visualisation and location of cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchopathology, and has been shown to detect acute reversible and chronic changes. It would be expected to correlate with markers of the underlying pathological processes, such as sputum cytokines and cytology, as well as with pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Our aim was to study the relationship between PFTs, sputum cytology, and sputum cytokine interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and HRCT in CF patients. Prospective standardized collection of sputum samples was performed at the time of routine annual high‐resolution CT scans. Forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were recorded. Sputum processing was selective, with dispersal by the three‐enzyme technique. IL‐8 measurements were by kit assay. HRCT scans were scored by a pediatric radiologist, blinded to clinical condition, using a modified Bhalla score. Forty‐three CT scans were performed on 34 children with CF between March 1998 and April 2000. Mean age was 12.3 years (range, 6–21 years), FEV1 (% predicted) was 67% (range, 23–120%), and mean modified Bhalla score was 11.2 (range, 0–22). Sputum IL‐8 concentration (mean, 86; range, 4–150 ng/mL) and total cell count (mean, 31.9 × 106/mL; range, 21.8–42.0 × 106/mL) were high. FEV1 and FVC correlated with modified Bhalla score (r = −0.66, P