Related Experiment Videos
Systemic markers of inflammation in stable bronchiectasis
C B Wilson1, P W Jones, C J O'Leary
1Host Defence Unit, Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK.
The European Respiratory Journal
|November 17, 1998
Summary
Patients with bronchiectasis show elevated systemic inflammation markers even when stable. These inflammation markers, like neutrophil count, correlate with disease severity and impact lung function and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Bronchiectasis is characterized by local and systemic inflammation during exacerbations.
- Persistent inflammation in stable bronchiectasis may impact overall health and disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate systemic inflammation markers in stable non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients.
- To assess the relationship between inflammation markers, disease extent, lung function, sputum bacteriology, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Main Methods:
- Studied 87 non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients during a stable phase.
- Measured systemic inflammation markers, computed tomographic scan extent, lung function, sputum bacteriology, and HRQoL.
Main Results:
- Elevated systemic inflammation markers were observed in stable patients.
- White cell count, neutrophil count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate correlated with disease extent and reduced lung function.
- C-reactive protein and white cell count correlated with specific HRQoL components.
- Sputum bacteriology did not correlate with inflammation markers.
Conclusions:
- Stable bronchiectasis patients exhibit elevated systemic inflammation.
- Inflammation markers, particularly neutrophil count, are linked to disease severity.
- Inflammation levels may influence disease progression and patient health status.