Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) for Research; Obtaining Adequate Sample Yield
11:47

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) for Research; Obtaining Adequate Sample Yield

Published on: March 24, 2014

Clinic and radiological improvement of lipoid pneumonia with multiple bronchoalveolar lavages

Selma M A Sias1, Pedro A Daltro, Edson Marchiori

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Antonio Pedro, Fluminense Federal University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. selma_sias@vm.uff.br

Pediatric Pulmonology
|March 14, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Multiple therapeutic bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) significantly improved CT scans, oxygen saturation, and lung cellularity in children with lipoid pneumonia (LP). This treatment led to clinical recovery without respiratory distress.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Lipoid pneumonia (LP) in children is often secondary to mineral oil aspiration.
  • Current treatment options for pediatric LP require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of multiple therapeutic bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) for treating lipoid pneumonia (LP) in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 10 children diagnosed with LP.
  • Treatment consisted of weekly therapeutic BALs until BAL fluid cleared and cell counts normalized.
  • High-resolution CT scans and oxygen saturation were monitored before and after treatment.

Main Results:

  • CT scans showed significant improvement or normalization in 8 out of 10 patients.
  • Oxygen saturation increased from 88.8% to 96.2% post-treatment (P < 0.0001).
  • Therapeutic BALs reduced lipid-laden macrophages and restored normal cellularity in BAL fluid.

Conclusions:

  • Multiple therapeutic BALs are effective in treating pediatric lipoid pneumonia.
  • The procedure leads to significant improvements in radiological findings, gas exchange, and lung inflammation.
  • Patients experienced clinical recovery without respiratory distress following treatment and at 6-month follow-up.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan01:30

Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan

Description
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

Acute Respiratory Failure-V

The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations: