[Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in pulmonary sarcoidosis. II. Changes in BAL cellular morphology and respiratory function in patients with sarcoidosis treated with prednisone].

BAL and respiratory function were analysed in 26 patients with sarcoidosis (age range 22-48 years) before and after a 12 month steroid therapy trial. 11 patients were in the active stage according to the BAL criteria. After treatment a significant decrease in BAL lymphocytosis was found (a decrease from 31.4% to 22.8%). A significant increase in TLC, DLCOSB and D/VA mean values was found. The effect of steroid therapy was similar in the active and non-active stage of the disease. The authors found BAL useful in monitoring of therapy.