FIBEROPTIC BRONCHOSCOPY AND BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE FOR THE EVALUATIONOF PULMONARY-INFILTRATES AFTER BMT IN CHILDREN

Thirty-one fiberoptic bronchoscopies and DAL performed within 4 days a fter the appearance of pulmonary infiltrates in 28 children who receiv ed BMT were reviewed, A causative agent was identified in 67% of patie nts with diffuse infiltrates (Cytomegalovirus in 8 cases, Pneumocystis carinii in 4) and in 31% of those with localized infiltrates (Aspergi llus in 2, bacteria in 2). No relevant side effect was reported. The r esults obtained from cytological and microbiological testing provided relevant informations for the management of most eases, regardless to the identification of a specific pathogen, We conclude that BAL is a s afe diagnostic procedure that should be considered early after the ons et of pulmonary complications in BMT recipients.