Objective: To observe the efficacy of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor inhalation therapy for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) patients and to improve the understanding of the therapy.
Methods: The clinical data of a patient with autoimmune PAP treated with inhaled granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor were described and the literatures were reviewed.
Results: This 70-year-old female patient was diagnosed with autoimmune PAP and had been treated with whole lung lavage for 10 times, but only achieved short-term symptomatic relief after each operation. Inhalation of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor was then used after the recurrence of PAP, and a significant improvement in oxygenation and clinical symptoms were abserved. The patient remained stable 4 month after the therapy.
Conclusion: Treatment with inhalation of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor is safe, effective and economic for patients with PAP, and would be the first choice for the recurrence of autoimmune PAP after whole lung lavage.