title: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: time to shift?
abstract: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is categorized into hereditary, secondary and autoimmune PAP (aPAP) types. The common pathogenesis is the ability of the alveolar macrophages to catabolize phagocytized surfactant is affected. Hereditary PAP is caused by mutations involving the GM-CSF signaling, particularly in genes for the GM-CSF receptor and sometimes by GATA2 mutations. Secondary PAP occurs in hematologic malignancies, other hematologic disorders, miscellaneous malignancies, fume and dust inhalation, drugs, autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiencies. aPAP is related to the production of GM-CSF autoantibodies. PAP is characterized morphologically by the inappropriate and progressive 'occupation' of the alveolar spaces by an excessive amount of unprocessed surfactant, limiting gas exchange and gradually exhausting the respiratory reserve. Myeloid cells' immunity deteriorates, increasing the risk of infections. Treatment of PAP is based on its etiology. In aPAP, recent therapeutic advances might shift the treatment option from the whole lung lavage procedure under general anesthesia to the inhalation of GM-CSF 'as needed'.
authors: 2nd Pulmonary Department, 'Attikon' University Hospital, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
authors: Spyros A
authors: SA
authors: Papiris
authors: Panagiotis
authors: P
authors: Tsirigotis
authors: Likurgos
authors: L
authors: Kolilekas
authors: Georgia
authors: G
authors: Papadaki
authors: Andriana I
authors: AI
authors: Papaioannou
authors: Christina
authors: C
authors: Triantafillidou
authors: Anastasia
authors: A
authors: Papaporfyriou
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Karakatsani
authors: Konstantinos
authors: K
authors: Kagouridis
authors: Matthias
authors: M
authors: Griese
authors: Effrosyni D
authors: ED
authors: Manali
mesh_terms: D018893:Bronchoalveolar Lavage; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D011649:Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
keywords: autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis; granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor; granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor receptors a and b; hereditary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis; inhaled granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor; lung and systemic infections; pulmonary alveolar proteinosis; secondary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis; surfactant; whole lung lavage