Use of bronchoalveolar lavage in the diagnosis of pulmonary complications in immunocompromised patients

: The authors examined, using bronchoalveolar lavage, 70 immunocompromised patients with pulmonary complications. The bronchoalveolar fluid was subjected to cytological and microbiological examination. The examination was not associated with any serious undesirable side effects, not even in patients who were in a serious general condition. Based on the examination the treatment was changed in 83% of the patients and the correctness of treatment was confirmed in 7% of the patients. In 76% of the patients the condition improved. It was possible for instance to diagnose pneumonia caused by Pneumocystic carinii, the Herpes simplex virus and fungi even in patients who did not expectorate sputum. The authors hold the view that this examination should be indicated early.