Sputum characteristics and evaluation of airways inflammation peculiarities in patients with bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background. The aim of the study was to investigate cellular phenotypes of the spontaneous sputum, estimate possibilities of cytological sputum analysis in evaluation of airways inflammation peculiarities in comparison with the expired nitric oxide level and respiratory function tests. Materials and methods. functional properties of neutrophils were evaluated by respiratory burst intensity. 72 patients were included, 23 - with moderate bronchial asthma course and chronic bronchitis, 18 - with moderate bronchial asthma and COPD, 31 patient had COPD only. All patients were examined in the exacerbation period, all of them had productive cough. Results. Cytological phenotypes were stated as well as the links between different sputum cells presence and between cytological peculiarities, inflammation and functional state of the respiratory system. Functional defects of neutrophils were found in COPD patients.