Diagnostic Values Of Neopterin In Serum And Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples In Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Neopterin NP an marker of cellular immunity is emitted from monocyte and macrophages through interferon- stimulation. Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease and mainly involves lungs and lymphoid tissue. In this study we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum and Bronchoalveolar lavage BAL NP levels in lung sarcoidosis and its correlation through clinical parameters. Serum measurements were performed in 26 patients with sarcoidosis and 16 healty patients. Serum and BAL NP levels were significantly higher in the group with sarcoidosis 17.426.91 nmolL and 1.501.46 mcmolg-prt than the group with non-sarcoidosis lung disease 12.387.46 nmolL and 0.620.75 mcmolg-prt and the healthy group 8.124.20 nmolL 0.420.22 mcmolg-prt. In sarcoidosis BAL NP measurement was determined as 92 35 75 and 68 in means of specifity sensitivity PPD and NPD respectively. In assessing sarcoidosis and tuberculosis differential diagnosis BAL NP measurements were detected as 89 53 90 and 50 in means of specifity sensitivity PPD and NPD respectively. BAL NP levels expressively proved correlation with radiological stage r0.879 FVC r-0.645 DLCO r-0.611 and DLCOVA r-0.615. Serum NP levels just expressively showed correlation with FVC r-0.481 and FEV1 r0.507 values. It has been concluded that serum and BAL NP levels increased in sarcoidosis cases compared to healthy individuals and the other disease cases and these parameters are correlated with radiological stage FVC and DLCO parameters which are fundamental determinants in pulmonary sarcoidosis prognosis and treatment decision. We consider high BAL and serum NP levels may support sarcoidosis diagnosis in case invasive diagnostic applications cannot be made.