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Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) for Research; Obtaining Adequate Sample Yield
Published on: March 24, 2014
[Bilateral sequential whole lung lavage in the same treatment session for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis]
Shi-guang Xie1, Bai-qiang Cai, Hong Zhang
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing 100730, China.
Objective:
To study the safety and effectiveness of bilateral sequential whole lung lavage in the same treatment session for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.
Methods:
Twelve times bilateral sequential whole lung lavage in the same treatment session were performed under general anaesthesia using a double lumen endotracheal tube for 10 cases of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. The volume of lavage, return volume and the return rate were calculated. The efficacy was evaluated according to the improvement of symptoms, pulmonary function and arterial blood gas analysis data.
Results:
Twelve times bilateral sequential whole lung lavage in the same treatment session were performed successfully for the 10 cases of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. The total volume of lavage was (26,417+/-7,064) ml, the return volume was (25,962+/-7,023) ml, the time of lavage was (192+/-26) minutes. The symptoms and chest radiograph were improved immediately after the procedure for all patients. The alveolar to arterial oxygen tension difference was decreased significantly. Arterial oxygen tensions were increased but no significant difference was reached. There was no significant immediate improvement for the pulmonary function. No complications were noted but pulmonary edema in one patient.
Conclusion:
Bilateral sequential whole lung lavage in the same treatment session is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.