Quantification of Pulmonary Neutrophil Activity in Cystic Fibrosis Using Radiolabeled Fluorodeoxyglucose and PET Imaging

Overview

It has been shown that neutrophils (a specific type of cell) are involved in inflammation in the lungs of CF patients. Neutrophil levels in CF patients have been measured by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), which samples cells in the fluid lining of the lungs. Other studies have measured neutrophil levels and inflammation in other parts of the body using PET scanning. This study aims to show that PET scanning can be used as a non-invasive marker of inflammation in the lungs of patients with CF, which would be a useful tool in treatment. The primary goal of this study is to draw a connection between the level of inflammation shown in the PET scan and the number of neutrophils obtained from the BAL. This study will also look at how the PET images relate to inflammatory molecules in the lungs and to the FEV-1 obtained through spirometry.

All patients involved in the study will have a PET scan performed. This involves injecting a small amount of radiolabelled glucose (sugar) into the blood. A scan will then be performed to obtain an image of where in the body that glucose is being used. Patients will also have spirometry done. Spirometry is a simple procedure measuring the functioning of the lungs (FEV-1) by measuring the amount of air a patient can blow out and inhale (the patient breathes into a machine). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) will be performed. This involves putting a small amount of fluid into a section of the lung, then suctioning it out to retrieve the cells and molecules contained in the substance lining the lung. Subjects will be patients with cystic fibrosis. Ten subjects will be stable with either mild or moderate disease. These subjects will receive a PET scan, spirometry, and BAL. This portion of the study is made up of 10 stable CF patients, 5 of whom will have mild disease, and 5 of whom will have moderate disease. These patients will receive a PET scan, spirometry and a BAL over 2 consecutive days. On day 1, patients will have a PET scan and spirometry. On day 2, patients will have a BAL. Patients will arrive on the first day after fasting for at least 6 hours and will be taken to the PET facility. PET scanning consists of a 2-minute scan followed by a 15-minute scan, injection of radiolabelled sugar into the vein, and 66 minutes of scanning. The patient will then be instructed to empty his or her bladder to reduce total radiation exposure. The patient will then be given a meal. Next, the patient will be taken for spirometry, the last test of day 1, which simple involves breathing into a machine that measures the amount of air inhaled and exhaled. Upon reporting to the GCRC on day 2, the patient will be taken for a BAL (the patient will have fasted for at least 6 hours prior to admission). BAL involves a small tube placed into the mouth, down the throat, and into the lung (lidocaine is used to numb the entire area). Less than 3 tablespoons of saline (salt water) is poured down the tube, then immediately sucked back up and collected by the doctor. This is repeated twice, for a total of 8 tablespoons of liquid.