Lung Transplant Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Lung Transplant, including details on risks, prognosis, procedure, surgery, organ donation.

Analysis of lung transplant recipients surviving beyond 5 years.

Lama R, Santos F, Alvarez A, Algar FJ, Baamonde C, Quero F, Cerezo F, Salvatierra A

Department of Respiratory Medicine, Lung Transplantation Unit, University Hospital Reina Sofia, Córdoba, Spain. rafael.lama.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es

INTRODUCTION: We started lung transplantation (LT) in October 1993 and review the status of recipients who have survived beyond 5 years. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing LT from October 1993 to October 1998 included pulmonary function data, incidence of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), functional status, and survival. RESULTS: Of 73 transplantations 41 (56%) patients have survived beyond 5 years (study group), including 23 men and 18 women of age 33.2 +/- 15.6 years. Indications for LT were as follows: cystic fibrosis (n = 16), emphysema (n = 13), pulmonary fibrosis (n = 8), and other (n = 4). Actuarial survival at 5, 7, and 9 years was 56%, 53%, and 43%, respectively. Freedom from BOS was 63%, 56%, and 50% at 5, 7, and 9 years, respectively. The median percent predicted FEV1 was 67%, 56%, and 56%, respectively. Also, 79% of recipients had no limitations in their daily activities; 65% were active and working. Only 5% of patients showed some degree of limitation at 5 years posttransplantation. When survivors beyond 5 years were compared with nonsurvivors beyond 5 years, differences were observed: nonsurvivors more frequently required bypass (P = .01), experienced longer postoperative intubation times (P = .01), and exhibited lower PaO2 at 12 months posttransplantation (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Our data show good survival rates among patients surviving beyond 5 years after LT, with a moderate incidence of BOS at 9 years posttransplantation. Despite the incidence of BOS, these patients have good pulmonary function and activity status.

Published 3 May 2005 in Transplant Proc, 37(3): 1523-5.
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