Aspelund AS et al. – This prospective study evaluated heparin–binding protein (HBP), lysozymes, and the cytokines interleukin (IL)–1β, IL–6, IL–8, IL–10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as potential biomarkers for pulmonary infection in 29 patients who underwent lung transplantation (LnTx). HBP, IL–1β, and IL–8 could be considered useful markers for diagnosing pulmonary infection in LnTx patients.

Methods

• About 113 BALF samples were collected at 3 and 6 months, or on clinical indication.
• These samples were classified into no, possible, probable, or definite infection for analysis.

Results

• During infection, BALF showed a significant increase in all biomarkers, with HBP, Il–1β, and IL–8 being the best biomarkers of inflammation.
• Patients with rejection demonstrated low levels of biomarkers than non–infection samples.