State of the Blood-Air Barrier in Pediatric Acute Leukemia patients: prognosis for pulmonary complications

Abstract

The blood-air barrier (BAB) is a structural and functional part of the lungs, which is composed of epithelial, interstitial, and endothelial components. Studied markers IL-6, TGF-β in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and serum VEGF-A are increased both during protocol treatment and in long-term remission, which proves BAB damage in children with acute leukemia (AL). Levels of IL-6 and TGF-β in EBC and VEGF-A in serum can be predictive for lung complications in pediatric acute leukemia patients. Assessment of BAB damage markers can be