Heparin-binding protein in sputum as a marker of pulmonary inflammation, lung function, and bacterial load in children with cystic fibrosis
Background: Cystic fibros.000000 bacterial pulmonary infections and neutrophil-dominated inflammation in the airways. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neutrophil-derived protein Heparin-binding protein (HBP) as a potential sputum marker of airway inflammation and bacterial load. Methods: Nineteen CF patients, aged 6-18 years, were prospectively followed for 6 months with sputum sampling a