Consensus statement on inhaled recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor for autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (2022)

Abstract

Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP) is the most common(around 90%) type of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, characterized by the presence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) autoantibody. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness of inhaled recombinant human GM-CSF for aPAP. Such a therapy has not been approved in China yet and has been classified off-label and unusual route of administration. Our expert consensus group evaluated the current knowledge with the methods of grading of recommendation assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE). The current evidence-based consensus statement covers the suitable population for inhaled GM-CSF therapy, details of prescription, usage during pregnancy and lactation, adverse effects and other suggestions in clinical usage. This consensus statement provides a clinical practice guideline of inhaled GM-CSF for aPAP in China and hopefully will accelerate basic and clinical research of aPAP.