IntroductionIn the general population elevated circulating inflammatory markers have been associated with impaired lung function in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. No studies have investigated this association in liver transplant recipients, and we aimed to investigate if elevated inflammatory markers were associated with impaired lung function in this population.MethodsAdult liver transplant recipients from The Danish Comorbidity in Liver Transplant Recipients (DACOLT) study, with available spirometry, high sensitivity (hs)-CRP, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were included.
Outcomes were forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), airflow limitation, and preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm).ResultsWe included 335 liver transplant recipients. The prevalence of airflow limitation and PRISm was 11.6% and 24.5%, respectively.
The median FEV1 was 2790 mL (IQR 2230–3505 mL) and the median FVC was 3680 mL (IQR 2980–3755 mL).
Elevated systemic inflammatory biomarkers correlate with reduced pulmonary function in nontransplanted populations, but this relationship has not been examined in liver transplant recipients.
The authors aimed to determine whether higher circulating inflammatory markers are associated with measures of lung function in adult liver transplant recipients.
Cross‑sectional analysis of adult participants from the Danish Comorbidity in Liver Transplant Recipients (DACOLT) cohort.
Included subjects had contemporaneous spirometry and measurements of high‑sensitivity C‑reactive protein (hs‑CRP), interleukin‑1β, IL‑2, IL‑6, IL‑10, interferon‑γ, and tumor necrosis factor‑α.
The source did not report longitudinal follow‑up in this analysis.
Pulmonary outcomes were prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), presence of airflow limitation, and preserved‑ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm).
The primary exposure of interest was elevated hs‑CRP (>3 mg/L); other cytokines were evaluated as additional exposures.
335 liver transplant recipients were analysed.
Prevalence of airflow limitation was 11.6% and PRISm 24.5%.
Median FEV1 and FVC were reported as 2790 mL (IQR 2230–3505) and 3680 mL (IQR 2980–3755), respectively.
In models adjusted for age and sex, hs‑CRP >3 mg/L was associated with higher odds of PRISm (adjusted OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.1–3.9) and with lower FEV1 (mean difference −209 mL, 95% CI −340 to −77) and lower FVC (mean difference −290 mL, 95% CI −448 to −132).
Associations for FEV1 and FVC persisted after further adjustment for ethnicity, body mass index, and smoking status.
No significant associations were observed between the other measured cytokines and any pulmonary outcome across models.
Within this cross‑sectional cohort of liver transplant recipients, elevated hs‑CRP—but not the panel of measured cytokines—was associated with worse concurrent spirometric indices and with PRISm.