Age-dependency of surfactant phospholipids and surfactant protein A in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of children without bronchopulmonary disease

Abstract

Whilst alterations in surfactant components of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) have been described in a variety of pulmonary diseases in adults, no information is available on the surfactant composition in children beyond the neonatal period. In order to obtain reference values for the paediatric age group, we have studied phospholipid profiles of BALF in children without pulmonary disease.The study population consisted of 38 children aged 3-15 yrs (mean±SD 8±4 yrs) undergoing elective surgery for nonpulmonary illnesses. Surfactant composition was analysed by high pressure liquid chromatography using both an ultraviolet and a light-scattering detector.Total phospholipid concentration was higher in children under 8 yrs of age and decreased with age. In contrast, the total protein concentration remained constant throughout the age range. No age-related changes in the relative composition of phospholipid fractions could be observed. Surfactant protein A concentrations were highly variable in all age groups.This study provides the first data on surfactant components in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of healthy children and will be the basis for future studies of children with pulmonary diseases.

Lipid-laden macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as a marker for pulmonary aspiration

“…In a previous study, we showed that the concentration of surfactant phospholipids in BAL fluid is higher in children than in adults. 9,10 Higher local concentrations may lead to more lipid being ingested by alveolar macrophages in children than adults, resulting in a higher intracellular lipid concentration. In addition, the metabolism of surfactant may differ between children and adults.…”

Bronchoalveolar lavage in children

“…Concentration of BAL fibronectin and hyaluronic acid in BALF are not different in children and adults [34,80,81]. Surfactant phospholipid concentrations are higher in children 3±8 yrs of age than in older children, whereas protein concentrations are independent of the child's age [83].…”

Analysis of surfactants: Part I

“…The mechanism proposed involves attenuation of cytosolic component translocations of the respiratory burst oxidase to the plasma membrane (80). Ratjen et al (81) reported age-dependency of surfactant phospholipids and surfactant protein A (SP-A) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from children without bronchopulmonary disease. HPLC using both UV and light-scattering detection was the analytical tool of choice.…”