Heparin-binding protein, lysozyme, and inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as diagnostic tools for pulmonary infection in lung transplanted patients

Stjärne Aspelund, Anna; Hammarström, Helena; Inghammar, Malin; Larsson, Hillevi; Hansson, Lennart; Christensson, Bertil; Påhlman, Lisa I.

BALF samples were collected at routine scheduled bronchoscopies at 3 and 6 months after Lntx or at diagnostic bronchoscopies performed in response to clinical symptoms. A minimal interval of 7 days was allowed between BALs to be included as a new sample in the study. BAL procedure followed a standardized protocol. Study samples for analyses of HBP, lysozyme, and cytokines were obtained after installation of 20 mL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), where the initial 10 mL of BALF was discharged after which a study sample of 10 mL was collected. Portions of 20 mL of PBS were then instilled to collect BALF according to a standard protocol for bacterial, fungal, and cytological analyses. BALF was sent to the Skåne University TBBs was semi-quantitatively reported as no, mild, or acute/abundant inflammation.