Indices of inflammatory cell activity and pulmonary function in different stages of sarcoidosis

The present study was carried out to compare radiological and physiological changes in sarcoidosis with biochemical markers for inflammatory cell populations. Of 53 patients with sarcoidosis, 28 had respiratory symptoms and 30 past or present bilateral hilar adenopathy without symptoms. A clinical score based on lung function tests and radiological findings correlated well with elevations of lysozyme and beta2-microglobulin in serum, indicating increased inflammatory cell activity in patients with more severe lung affection. A covariation between beta2-microglobulin and lysozyme was found, suggesting concomitant activation of macrophages and lymphocytes in sarcoidosis. Serum levels of lactoferrin were elevated in patients with a disease of short duration but did not correlate with the severity of the lung affection. The closing volume also seems to be abnormal in the early course of the disease, while elevated lysozyme and beta2-microglobulin levels rather seem to reflect the extent of the pulmonary affection.