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Bronchoalveolar Lavage Findings from Persons Exposed to Moulds in Water-Damaged Houses

Departments of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland, Helena.Mussalo-Rauhamaa{at}Helsinki.Fi

Hanna Suomalainen

Departments of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

Timo Helin

Departments of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

Peter Elg

HUCH-Laboratory Diagnostics, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

Arto Orpana

HUCH-Laboratory Diagnostics, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were taken in 47 patients whose symptoms were attributable to mould exposure and had visited the Clinic for Indoor Air Health Problems at the Helsinki University Central Hospital for a diagnosis of possible interstitial pulmonary disease. Tests showed that the total number of lymphocytes was elevated in 19 of these patients (40%). The percentage of lymphocytes in the cells from the lavage fluid ranged from 2 to 63% with a median of 19%. One patient had slight neutropenia.

Key Words: Bronchoalveolar lavage • Blood • Exposure to moulds

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