Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage: a retrospective study from a tertiary care center

Abstract

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is characterized by a syndrome of alveolar bleeding, a fall in hemoglobin, and respiratory failure. It can occur because of various immunologic and non-immunologic conditions. The etiology of DAH is important, as treatment varies with the etiology. This retrospective observational study evaluates the diverse etiologies, time to diagnosis from symptom onset, management strategies, and outcome of DAH in a span of 12 months at our tertiary care center. A total of 8 patients were identified with 8 different etiologies. 6/8 (75%) patients had immunologic causes, and 2/8 (25%) had non-immunologic causes of DAH. 6/8 (75%) patients were females, the mean time to DAH diagnosis was 4.25 months from symptom onset, 6/8 (75%) patients improved, and 2/8 (25%) died due to complications. It is necessary to differentiate between the etiologies of DAH and establish an early diagnosis to plan management and improve outcomes.

Keywords

• Pulmonary hemorrhage
• alveolar hemorrhage
• hemoptysis
• bronchoscopy
• pulmonary-renal syndromes