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Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) for Research; Obtaining Adequate Sample Yield
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Use of bronchoalveolar lavage in immunocompromised children with pneumonia

E N Pattishall1, B E Noyes, D M Orenstein

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|January 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a safe and rapid diagnostic tool for pediatric pneumonia in immunocompromised children. This flexible fiber-optic bronchoscopy procedure successfully identified pathogens in most cases, aiding clinical decisions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Pneumonia diagnosis in immunocompromised children poses significant challenges.
  • Immunocompromised status increases susceptibility to severe respiratory infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic utility of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) using flexible fiber-optic bronchoscopy in immunocompromised children with pneumonia.
  • To assess the safety and efficiency of BAL in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 14 immunocompromised children with pneumonia over 5 months.
  • Flexible fiber-optic bronchoscopy with BAL for sample collection.
  • Analysis of BAL fluid for identification of causative pathogens.

Main Results:

  • A diagnosis was achieved in 10 out of 14 (71%) children.
  • Identified pathogens included Pneumocystis carinii, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Aspergillus fumigatus, and mixed infections.
  • No complications were reported during the procedure.

Conclusions:

  • BAL via flexible fiber-optic bronchoscopy is a rapid, safe, and effective diagnostic method for pneumonia in immunocompromised children.
  • BAL should be considered before invasive procedures like lung biopsy.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis facilitates timely management of respiratory infections in this vulnerable group.

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