Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid characteristics and outcomes of invasively mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in Genoa, Italy

Abstract Background The primary objective of the study is to describe cellular characteristics bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) COVID-19 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation; secondary outcome BALF findings between survivors vs non-survivors. Materials and methods Patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 RT PCR, admitted ICU March April 2020 were enrolled. At admission, analyzed by flow cytometry. Univariate, multivariate Spearman correlation analyses performed. Results Sixty-four enrolled, median age 64 years (IQR 58–69). majority cells in neutrophils (70%, IQR 37.5–90.5) macrophages (27%, 7–49) while a minority lymphocytes, 1%, TCD3+ 92% 82–95). mortality was 32.8%. Non-survivors had significantly older ( p = 0.033) peripheral lymphocytes 0.012) lower compared survivors. analysis percentage correlated with poor (OR 1.336, CI95% 1.014–1.759, 0.039). Conclusions In critically ill patients, cellularity mainly composed macrophages. at admittance higher mortality. lack could partly explain reduced anti-viral response.