Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of large-volume whole lung lavage in the treatment of severe pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP).
Methods: Five severe PAP patients underwent large-volume whole lung lavage under general anaesthesia using a double lumen endotracheal tube. Suction was used for returning fluid. The volume of lavage and return volume and the return rate were calculated. The efficacy was evaluated according to the improvement of symptoms, amelioration of chest radiograph or chest CT scan and the changes of pulmonary function and artery blood gas analysis.
Results: After lavage, the symptoms, pulmonary function and artery blood gas were markedly improved, and the chest radiographs showed dissipation of lung consolidation. No severe complications were observed in the 5 cases.
Conclusion: Large-volume whole lung lavage is an effective and safe therapeutic method in the treatment of PAP.