Circulating fibrocyte level in children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate circulating fibrocyte levels in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients during stable and exacerbation periods of the condition. METHODS: The study group consisted of 39 patients diagnosed with CF and 20 healthy controls. Individuals included in the study were divided into three groups: CF, CF exacerbated, and a healthy control group. Their circulating fibrocyte levels were compared. Findings from a pulmonary function test and high-resolution computed tomography of the lung were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The circulating fibrocyte count was found to be significantly higher in patients with CF compared with the exacerbated and control groups. No correlation was found between the forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity values in the pulmonary function test and the circulating fibrocyte count. The circulating fibrocyte count in patients (in the CF group) with positive findings in the high-resolution computed tomography was statistically significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: The circulating fibrocyte level in the peripheral blood of the patients with CF was increased.