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Angiotensin-converting enzyme in farmer's lung
Chest
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels are not elevated in farmer's lung patients. However, acutely ill farmer's lung patients show reduced levels, aiding differential diagnosis from sarcoidosis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Farmer's lung is a hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels are elevated in sarcoidosis.
- Diagnostic markers for farmer's lung are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum ACE levels in farmer's lung patients.
- To assess the utility of serum ACE as a diagnostic marker for farmer's lung.
- To differentiate farmer's lung from sarcoidosis.
Main Methods:
- Serum ACE levels were measured in patients with farmer's lung.
- Comparison with precipitin-positive subjects and age/smoking-matched controls.
- ACE levels were also assessed during acute illness and after Micropolyspora faeni challenge.
Main Results:
- Serum ACE levels did not differ significantly between farmer's lung patients and controls.
- Acutely ill farmer's lung patients exhibited significantly reduced serum ACE levels.
- Micropolyspora faeni challenge did not increase serum ACE levels.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum ACE is not characteristic of farmer's lung.
- Reduced serum ACE levels in acute farmer's lung may aid in differential diagnosis.
- Serum ACE levels can help distinguish farmer's lung from sarcoidosis.