Human neutrophil peptide in lung chronic allograft dysfunction

Abstract

Context: Our previous case-control study identified human neutrophil peptide (HNP) as a potential biomarker for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) in lung transplant recipients.

Objective: To prospectively validate HNP as a biomarker for BOS.

Materials and methods: HNP was measured by ELISA in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in lung transplant recipients.

Results: The first HNP measurement after reaching baseline pulmonary function was predictive of developing BOS ≥2 (p = 0.0419). HNP remained elevated in those that developed BOS. The effect of potential confounders did not significantly impact BOS-free survival time.

Conclusion: HNP levels are elevated early and persistently in those that develop BOS.

Keywords::

• Biomarkers
• rejection
• lung transplant

Acknowledgements

Dr. C. Reilly conducted all the statistical analyses and wrote the manuscript with Dr. C. Wendt. Dr. Cervenka edited the manuscript, was involved in the initial recruitment of subjects, sample collection, establishing the database and measurements. Dr. Hertz edited the manuscript and provided expertise in clinical assessments. Ms. Becker assisted with sample and data collection, including quality assurance of the samples. Dr. Wendt supervised the sample and data collection, wrote the manuscript with Dr. Reilly and assisted with the interpretation of results. The authors would like to thank Dr. Gary Nelsestuen for technical advice and the use of laboratory equipment.

Declaration of interest

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health [Grants HL080041, HL07741] Work performed at the University of Minnesota.