Platelets in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Inflammation

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic multiorgan disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene. Chronic airway infection by bacterial pathogens accounts for the progressive, suppurative pulmonary disease that leads to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with CF. Neutrophil recruitment to the lungs accounts the most important contributor to pulmonary destruction. However, there is evidence that platelets may also have an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammation. To our knowledge, there is few information in platelet levels in patients with cystic fibrosis during pulmonary exacerbation, chronic airway colonization and when stable.