Abstract

Background and objectivesStrategies to improve the efficiency of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) are needed. We conducted a study to establish the diagnostic value of BAL in patients with hematological malignancies and pulmonary infiltrates. Patients and methodsThe correlation of cytologic and flow cytometric study of BAL with the microbiological findings and the clinical evolution was determined. ResultsSeventy BAL were performed and flow cytometric study was analyzed in 23 of them. Fifty-three patients did not present any adverse event attributable to BAL. Anti-infectious therapy was modified in 64 (91%) patients. T lymphocyte count >0.3×109/L in peripheral blood was associated with longer OS at 3 years (53 vs. 22%, p=0.009). Higher CD4 (>20/μL) and CD8 (>35/μL) lymphocyte counts in the BAL were associated with a longer OS at 3 years: 82 vs. 21% (p=0.030) and 80 vs. 23% (p=0.059). ConclusionsOur study confirms the clinical value of BAL for treatment decision making in patients with hematological malignancies and acute respiratory failure.

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