RESUMO
Background and Objectives: in a developing country, cost effectiveness is an important consideration. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency and safety of mini broncho-alveolar lavage [mini BAL] samples in the diagnosis of newly developed lung infiltrates in mechanically ventilated patients
Methods: fifty mechanically ventilated patients with newly developed lung infiltrates were assessed by mini-BAL and subsequent microbiological examination. An infant Ryle catheter FG-10 was used as the inner catheter, a Nelaton catheter size 18 FG was used as the outer protective catheter and was blocked by sterile K-Y gel instead of the pre-packaged catheters
Results: eighty six percent of samples collected by Mini-BAL technique from mechanically ventilated patients showed positive growth for culture and sensitivity. Thirty percent of patients had bi microbial infection while fourteen had polymicrobial infection. Fungal infection [Candida] was the most frequent isolated pathogen [32%] followed by Gram-negative bacteria [Klebsiella] [30%]. Legionella was the commonest isolated atypical bacteria
Conclusion: this study highlighted the mini-BAL technique as a simple, safe, cheap, available and non-invasive bedside procedure for acquiring uncontaminated lower respiratory secretions in patients with newly developed pulmonary infiltrates