Biomarkers and Protein Mass Expression Profiles in Bronchoalveolar Lavage From Patients With Lung Infiltrates

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying different types of proteins in the lungs of patients with pneumonia to better understand the causes of various forms of this lung inflammation. Pneumonia, often caused by infection, is usually diagnosed by x-rays and listening to the chest, but these methods do not reveal what causes the inflammation. This study aims to find specific proteins in lung fluid that may act as markers to identify distinct types of pneumonia and help guide treatment. The study is observational and involves patients undergoing bronchoscopy at the NIH Clinical Center. Participants undergoing bronchoscopy, a procedure that examines the lung airways using a thin flexible tube, will have bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid collected during their routine care. This involves rinsing the lung airways with saline and then collecting fluid samples. Researchers will analyze this fluid to study protein content, lung cells, and microbial pathogens. Blood samples will also be taken to compare with lung fluid results. The study plans to collect about 1,000 BAL specimens representing a wide range of infectious and non-infectious lung diseases. During the study, participants will undergo bronchoscopy and lavage as part of their medical care. In addition, about two tablespoons of blood will be drawn. Researchers will review medical records to gather information on medical history, treatments, vital signs, and x-ray results. The main measurements include analyzing peptide biomarkers and characterizing lung cells from the lung fluid. These analyses will help build a database linking protein profiles to specific lung infections or inflammations. Participation involves routine procedures and chart review, with no additional treatments given by the study.

Study of Lung Proteins in Patients With Pneumonia