VARIANTS AND STAGES OF IDIOPATHIC FIBROSI NG ALVEOLITIS

Clinicomorphological analysis covered 41 cases of idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis (IFA). The comparison of the degree of respiratory insuffi ciency, hypoxia, survival of the patients with cytogram of the broncho alveolar lavage, morphological findings, generation of active oxygen f orms by alveolar macrophages and leukocytes has provided evidence on a n important role of alveolar macrophage in interstitial alveolitis and fibrosis in IFA. Three variants of chronic IFA are distinguished: agg ressive, persistant and slowly progressive. The variants have differen t prognosis and need individual therapeutic approach.