[Surfactant protein D as a biomarker for lung injury]

Respiratory distress and the need for mechanical ventilation, have been the most common reasons for ITU hospitalization. Pulmonary pathology is sometimes difficult to diagnose and differentiate; therefore we are on a continuous search for diagnostic tools and markers. It has been suggested that in patients intubated for acute lung injury, lower concentrations of surfactant proteins A and D in bronchoalveolar fluid and higher concentrations in the plasma are associated with more severe lung injury and worse clinical outcomes. Surfactant protein D (SP-D) plays a crucial role in defense mechanisms and immunomodulation, binding with various pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. SP-D is a valuable marker in ARDS and other specific and non-specific pulmonary pathologies, and may find a place as a valuable marker of the severity of disease.