Significance of plasma fibrinogen and malondialdehyde in the post-inflammatory period in patients with cystic fibrosis.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of selected inflammatory parameters and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) significance in the post-inflammatory period in adult patients with cystic fibrosis. BACKGROUND: Laboratory biomarkers can be integrated into clinical practice as part of monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. METHODS: After recovery from an acute exacerbation of lung infection, selected inflammatory parameters (fibrinogen, IL-1, IL-6, SAA, hs-CRP) and serum MDA were examined in 30 adult patients with cystic fibrosis. Their correlation with FEV1, frequency and duration of subsequent hospitalizations and 6-year prognosis in terms of mortality or need for lung transplantation was evaluated. RESULTS: FEV1 negatively correlated with fibrinogen, but positively with MDA. No significant correlation with hs-CRP, IL-1, IL-6 and SAA was recorded. Plasma fibrinogen predicted the frequency and duration of subsequent hospitalizations. The 6-year prognosis was negatively associated with plasma fibrinogen whereas its association with MDA was positive. However, the prognosis of patients in the multivariate analysis was significantly associated only with FEV1. CONCLUSION: Plasma fibrinogen examined in the post-inflammatory period is a marker of lung damage in patients with cystic fibrosis and can be used to predict the prognosis. The positive correlation of serum MDA with FEV1 in the post-inflammatory period may be important to the interpretation of treatment interventions (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 17).