Bronchoalveolar pH and inflammatory biomarkers in newly diagnosed IPF and GERD patients: a case-control study

• Published in: Medical science monitor 2014-02, Vol.20, p.255-261
• Main Authors: Lozo Vukovac, Emilija, Lozo, Mislav, Mise, Kornelija, Gudelj, Ivan, Puljiz, Željko, Jurcev-Savicevic, Anamarija, Bradaric, Anteo, Kokeza, Josipa, Mise, Josko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Alkaline Phosphatase - metabolism; Biomarkers - metabolism; Blood Gas Analysis; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid - chemistry; Bronchoscopy; C-Reactive Protein - metabolism; Case-Control Studies; Clinical Research; Gastroesophageal Reflux - metabolism; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis - metabolism; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase - metabolism; Middle Aged; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - metabolism
• ISSN: 1643-3750; 1234-1010; 1643-3750
• DOI: 10.12659/MSM.889800

Several studies have suggested that idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) may be related to repeated aspiration of gastric contents over long periods of time. We aimed to investigate differences between pH measured directly in the lung, and biomarkers of acute inflammation in patients with newly diagnosed IPF and in patients with newly diagnosed GERD. All subjects (N=61) underwent collection of medical history, physical examination, pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy, endoscopy, arterial blood gas analyses, and biochemical testing. Previously diagnosed GERD was found in 56.7%, typical symptoms of reflux in 80%, and Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsy specimens in 76.6% of the cases. pH in peripheral branches of bronchi in the cases was 5.32 ± 0.44 and was 6.27 ± 0.31 (p