Analysis of Eicosanoids in EBC from SCD patients. Version 1.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analysis of Eicosanoids in Exhaled Breath Condensate by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease
IRAS ID
190099
Contact name
Dimitris Tsitsikas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Haematology department Homerton university hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 15 days
Research summary
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited haemoglobin disorder giving rise to the abnormal “sickle haemoglobin” (Hb S). This causes the characteristic “sickle” shape of the erythrocytes and leads to the two cardinal manifestations of SCD: a) vaso-occlusion due to impaired blood flow and infarction of the microvasculature and b) haemolysis (break- down of red cells) and chronic anaemia.
SCD is associated with a multitude of acute and chronic complications, leading to significant morbidity, poor quality of life, and high utilisation of hospital facilities and reduced life expectancy. The most common is the painful vaso-occlusive crises that result from bone marrow infarction and lead to episodes of severe pain. The second most common cause for hospitalisation and a leading cause of death in SCD is the “acute chest syndrome” (ACS) which is characterised by new infiltrates on the chest radiograph, respiratory symptoms and can often lead to respiratory failure. Up to 50% of patients are admitted to hospital with a painful crisis before they develop ACS.
Fat embolism from bone marrow necrosis is thought to be a common cause of ACS. The pathophysiology of pulmonary complications from fat embolism is thought to be associated with the release of free fatty acids from hydrolysis of phospholipids. Release of arachidonic acid in this manner, provides the substrate for the production of a number of inflammatory mediators, collectively known as eicosanoids, including thromboxanes, leucotrienes and prostanglandins that can also induce lung injury.
Measurement of eicosanoids contained in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) by mass spectrometry (MS) has been used as a tool for assessing pulmonary inflammation and to monitor response to treatment for patients with asthma but has not yet been reported for patients with SCD. EBC collection is a non-invasive method of sampling the respiratory tract at steady state and in crises. It can be repeated several times without causing any distress to the patients.REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1806
Date of REC Opinion
7 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion