Abstract
Introduction: Fire smoke inhalation is a well-recognized aetiological factor of airway injuries. The objective of this study was evaluation of Clara cell protein (CC16) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentrations in serum of patients after exposure to uncontrolled fire smoke. Methods: The study group consisted of 40 consecutive patients admitted to the Toxicology Unit after exposure to fire smoke. CC16 and MPO concentrations in their serum samples was measured on the day of admission to hospital and rechecked at the 2nd day and on the day of discharge. Patients also underwent routine toxicological diagnostic procedures applied in case of exposures, such as carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) levels and blood lactate and urinary thiocyanate concentrations. The same diagnostic tests were performed in the control group consisting of 10 healthy subjects not exposed to fire smoke. Results: The average concentration of CC16 in the serum of subjects exposed to toxic factors was significantly higher at the day of admission in comparison with the respective values recorded on the 2nd day and on the day of discharge. The mean level of CC16 in the serum of the exposed group was also significantly higher than that in the control group. Tests for MPO concentrations in the serum did not reveal any significant changes in patients exposed to fire smoke. Conclusions: As indicated, acute exposure to smoke induces injury at the alveolar level, which results in a transient increase of CC16 in serum of exposed subjects.