1. Therapeutic lung lavages in children and adults
- Author
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Teschler Helmut, Stanzel Franz, Reiter Karl, Paschen Christian, and Griese Matthias
- Subjects
BAL ,PAP ,Protein ,Diseases of the respiratory system ,RC705-779 - Abstract
Abstract Background Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease, characterized by excessive intra-alveolar accumulation of surfactant lipids and proteins. Therapeutic whole lung lavages are currently the principle therapeutic option in adults. Not much is known on the kinetics of the wash out process, especially in children. Methods In 4 pediatric and 6 adult PAP patients 45 therapeutic half lung lavages were investigated retrospectively. Total protein, protein concentration and, in one child with a surfactant protein C mutation, aberrant pro-SP-C protein, were determined during wash out. Results The removal of protein from the lungs followed an exponential decline and averaged for adult patients 2 – 20 g and Conclusion Following therapeutic half lung lavages by biochemical variables may help to estimate the degree of alveolar filling with proteinaceous material and to improve the efficiency of the wash out, especially in children.
- Published
- 2005
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