Inflammatory Markers in Broncho-alveolar Lavage Fluid as Risk Factors for Lung Disease in Infants With Cystic Fibrosis: the I-BALL Study

Rationale: Airway disease, featuring early and intense inflammation and leading to progressive lung damage, is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF). Mechanisms of CF airway inflammation remain unclear, hampering development of better treatments. Recent introduction of heel-prick screening for CF provides a unique longitudinal cohort of CF infants, in which the early phase of airway disease can be assessed. In our hospital the investigators set up a clinical protocol for monitoring these infants in a structured way, using chest computed tomography (CT) and bronchoscopies with collection of broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) to assess early lung damage. Our protocol is designed according to the protocol used by the Australian AREST-CF consortium. Preliminary data show that lipid profiles differ in BALF from CF infants with a high score for lung damage, compared with a low score (minimal lung damage). Some of these lipids are products of activated polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN's). Others are receptor-activating molecules involved in the resolution of inflammation and tissue injury. Also, in a pilot study, it was shown that CF airway PMNs are differently programmed than in normal airways, which leads to increased release of inflammatory factors and toxic enzymes. The hypothesize is that CFTR deficiency causes abnormal inflammatory signaling in the lung of CF infants, resulting in abnormal programming of infiltrating PMNs, and subsequently excessive and chronic lung disease.

Objectives: To better understand the progression of early CF lung disease the investigators aim to study lipid profiles and PMN dysfunction in relation to the severity of early lung disease in infants with CF, using BALF samples and peripheral blood. To optimally study these very precious samples, the investigators will make use of state-of-the-art technologies for in vivo profiling and in vitro testing of PMN function, including lipidomics and innovative cell- and fluid-based tools. Understanding the mechanisms at play in CF airway inflammation as it occurs in infants may lead to new paths for early intervention

Study design: Observational, exploratory in vitro study in BALF and peripheral blood from infants with CF, correlated with clinical data.

Study population: Children with CF diagnosed by heel-prick screening, who have a bronchoscopy and chest-CT for their annual check-up, at age 3 months (Utrecht),1, 3 or 5 years are eligible. Informed consent will be obtained from the parents.

Intervention: The bronchoscopy done to collect BALF is part of the routine clinical monitoring program. For this study, BALF that is not used for clinical testing will be used. Furthermore, venous puncture is performed for clinical routine blood tests, and one extra vial of EDTA blood will be drawn.