BAL Inflammatory Markers Can Predict Pulmonary Exacerbations in Children With Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis are characterized by airway inflammation and may cause irreversible lung damage. Early identification of such exacerbations may facilitate early initiation of treatment, thereby potentially reducing long-term morbidity. Research Question: Is it possible to predict pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis, using inflammatory markers obtained from BAL fluid? Study Design and Methods: A longitudinal analysis was conducted of children aged 0 to 7 years included in the Australian Respiratory Early Surveillance Team for Cystic Fibrosis (AREST CF) study between 2005 and 2015. The association between inflammatory markers from ann..