Successful pregnancy in a severely hypoxemic patient with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis [Gravidez de termo em doente com proteinose alveolar e insufi ciência respiratória grave]

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (pap) is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal accumulation of a lipoproteinaceous material in the alveoli,which may lead to respiratory failure and has an associated high risk for infections. the mainstay treatment for pap is whole lung lavage. a pregnant woman,previously diagnosed with primary pap,the most common form of pap,was admitted with dyspnea and worsening respiratory function. in one month period,a wholelung bronchopulmonary lavage was performed twice,with clinical and functional improvement. pregnancy was carried to term and a healthy baby was delivered. the mechanisms of respiratory impairment are discussed as well as treatment options and response. © 2010 published by elsevier españa,s.l. on behalf of sociedade portuguesa de pneumologia. all rights reserved.