Context: Our previous case-control study identified human neutrophil peptide (HNP) as a potential biomarker for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) in lung transplant recipients.
Objective: To prospectively validate HNP as a biomarker for BOS.
Materials and methods: HNP was measured by ELISA in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in lung transplant recipients.
Results: The first HNP measurement after reaching baseline pulmonary function was predictive of developing BOS ≥2 (p = 0.0419). HNP remained elevated in those that developed BOS. The effect of potential confounders did not significantly impact BOS-free survival time.
Conclusion: HNP levels are elevated early and persistently in those that develop BOS.