[Plasmapheresis failure in the treatment of auto-immune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis]

Rev Mal Respir. 2017 Mar;34(3):240-243. doi: 10.1016/j.rmr.2016.06.002. Epub 2016 Oct 13.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Auto-immune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a rare disorder characterized by the accumulation of surfactant proteins in the alveoli.

Case report: We report a case of a 41-year-old smoker, presenting initially with acute respiratory failure. Whole lung lavages were effective initially but only for a few weeks. GM-CSF subcutaneous injections were not effective, and then plasmapheresis were tried.

Conclusion: This is the fifth report of the use of this treatment in auto-immune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Plasmapheresis was not effective in our patient.

Keywords: GM-CSF; Grand lavage pulmonaire thérapeutique; Plasma exchanges; Plasmapheresis; Plasmaphérèse; Protéinose alvéolaire pulmonaire; Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis; Whole lung lavage; Échanges plasmatiques.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plasmapheresis*
  • Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis / pathology
  • Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis / therapy*
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / etiology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / pathology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / therapy
  • Treatment Failure