Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis Follow-up
- Author: Roger B Olade, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Zab Mosenifar, MD more...
Further Inpatient Care
Inpatient care is uncommon in primary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), except for concomitant superinfection or severe hypoxemia. Treatment of secondary PAP might require inpatient care and outpatient follow-up.
Further Outpatient Care
Patients usually improve dramatically with whole-lung lavage, but relapses may occur. Repeated lavage usually is necessary. Patients should have regular follow-up with a pulmonologist.
Deterrence/Prevention
Patients prone to alveolar proteinosis related to inhalation of inorganic dusts or insecticides should avoid further exposure.
Complications
The major complications are lung infections with N asteroides, Pneumocystis carinii, and/or Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare.[13]Pulmonary fibrosis and/or cor pulmonale also can complicate PAP.
Prognosis
The overall prognosis for primary PAP is very good, with achievement of complete remissions in many patients. Whole-lung lavage most often results in a dramatic response. Some patients require repeated lavages, and these patients usually progress to pulmonary fibrosis and have a poor outcome. Congenital PAP responds favorably to lung transplantation.
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