The Impact of Total Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis: A Comprehensive Study

Key Findings of the Study:

  • Patient Data: The study analyzed 38 BAL procedures performed on eight PAP patients aged 40-63 years.
  • Procedure Insights: Each lung received an average saline instillation of 16,992 mL, with minimal haemodynamic disturbances observed.
  • Oxygenation Changes: The pO2 levels dropped from an initial mean of 126 mmHg to 69.7 mmHg post-BAL, with no significant impact on pCO2 or pH levels.
  • Complications: 39.47% of procedures reported minor complications, including arterial hypotension (23%), glottic edema (7.8%), and pneumothorax (2.6%). However, no life-threatening incidents were recorded, confirming the procedure’s safety.
  • Long-Term Outcomes: One patient achieved complete clinical-radiological resolution post-BAL, while five remained stable, one required lung transplantation, and one patient succumbed to severe disease progression.

Clinical Significance and External Medical References: The American Thoracic Society (ATS) recognizes total BAL as a critical intervention for PAP, emphasizing its role in improving oxygenation and delaying disease progression. The World Health Organization (WHO) further underscores the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in managing rare pulmonary disorders.

Further Reading & Internal Links:

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