Risk Factors for Acute Exacerbation Following Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Patients with Suspected Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is useful for diagnosing diffuse lung disease and excluding other conditions. However, acute exacerbations (AEs) are recognized as important complications of BAL in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aimed to identify risk factors BAL-induced AEs IPF. Material methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data 155 suspected IPF who had undergone between January 2013 December 2018. BAL-related AE was defined development within 30 days after procedure. compared clinical features parameters (AE group) without (non-AE group). also reviewed relevant reported literature. Results: Among patients, 5 (3.2%) developed BAL. The average duration from onset 7.8 (2–16 days). Results univariate analysis revealed PaO2 < 75 mm Hg (p = 0.036), neutrophil content ≥ 7% 0.0061), %DLCO 50% 0.019), Gender-Age-Physiology (GAP) stage III 0.034), recovery rates 30% 0.001) significant post-BAL AE. All five recovered were discharged. Conclusions: Disease severity, high levels BAL, poor may be AEs.