Sputum Biomarkers of Inflammation and Lung Function Decline in Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

In children with CF, a single determination of sputum biomarkers, particularly neutrophil elastase, has predictive value for subsequent lung function decline, and longitudinal changes in sputum inflammatory biomarkers are related to lung function changes. Based on our results, sputum neutrophil elastase was the most informative biomarker to monitor disease activity.