The Effectiveness of Whole Lung Lavage in Pneumoconiosis

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the role of whole lung lavage (WLL) in the treatment of pneumoconiosis and compare changes in lung function over time in treated and untreated miners. METHODS: We systematically reviewed and identified eight controlled studies with treated and comparison groups with lung function tests before WLL and a year or more later. Two hundred ninety-two patients were included in our meta-analysis. RESULTS: Studies consistently showed a slowing of the rate of lung function decline with WLL at 1, 2, and 4 years. In some reports, details of the population under study, reliability of lung function tests, the adequacy of matching, technical aspects of the procedure, and adverse effects associated with WLL were not available. CONCLUSIONS: Despite recognized weaknesses in the presentation of information, this procedure may show promise in altering the natural history of pneumoconiosis.