White, D.A.Klugman, S.R.Weil, R.Zigiriadis, E.Green, Robin J.2014-02-262014-02-262013-11White, DA, Klugman, SR, Weil, R, Zigiriadis, E & Green, RJ 2013, 'Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in a child from an informal settlement : 12 litres of fluid drained from the lungs and successful use of ECMO', South African Journal of Child Health, vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 155-157.1994-3032 (print)1999-7671 (online)10.7196/SAJCH.599http://hdl.handle.net/2263/36819Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare cause of chronic interstitial lung disease, characterised by accumulation of pulmonary surfactant, respiratory insufficiency and an increased incidence of infections. The current standard therapy is whole-lung lavage to remove the accumulated surfactant. We report on a cachexic 12-year-old boy from an informal settlement in South Africa, presenting for the first time with PAP. Twelve litres of broncho-alveolar lavage fluid were drained under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and the patient gained 10 kg during his 2-month admission.enHealth and Medical Publishing GroupPulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP)ChildrenInformal settlementsLung disease12 litres of fluid drainedPulmonary alveoli -- Diseases -- TreatmentLungs -- Diseases -- TreatmentArticle