Naslov
Exhaled breath condensate : a new method for lung disease diagnosis

Autori
Čepelak, Ivana ; Dodig, Slavica

Izvornik
Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine (1434-6621) 45 (2007), 8; 945-952

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
asthma ; exhaled breath condensate ; lung disease

Sažetak
Analysis of the exhaled breath composition in lung disease patients can indirectly point to biochemical changes that occur in the fluid lining airway surfaces. The parameters of redox and acid-base changes, and of inflammatory changes relevant in the pathogenesis of most pulmonary diseases are currently most widely determined in exhaled breath condensate. The collection of exhaled breath condensate is a safe, noninvasive, easy and simple diagnostic procedure that is suitable for longitudinal studies and applicable in patients of all age groups irrespective of the disease severity. In spite of many scientific studies involving lung disease patients, the methodology of exhaled breath condensate collection and analysis has not yet been released for daily utilization. Additional studies of the exact origin of condensate constituents and standardization of the overall analytical process including collection, storage, analysis and result interpretation are needed. Irrespective of these limitations, further investigation of this sample type is fully justified by the fact that classic specimens used in the management of pulmonary disease are either obtained by invasive procedures (e.g., induced sputum, biopsy, bronchoalveolar lavage) or cannot provide appropriate information (e.g., urine, serum). Analysis of exhaled breath condensate might in the future contribute significantly to the understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological processes in the lungs, to early detection, diagnosis and follow up of the disease progression, and to therapeutic response evaluation.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti, Farmacija

POVEZANOST RADA