LATE-BREAKING ABSTRACT: Long-term consequences of central airways stenosis after lung transplantation

Abstract

Central airways stenosis after lung transplantation is a frequent but poorly understood complication. Objectives of our study were to evaluate if stenosis was associated with worse outcomes after transplant. Lung transplant recipients of a single center (Strasbourg, France) between April 2009 and August 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. 191 lung transplants were realized: 175 bilateral lung transplants, 15 single lung, 1 cardiopulmonary. 22 (13%) developed central airway stenosis requiring endobronchial treatment. All these patients were treated by endoscopic dilatation with balloon; 9 patients (43%) needed endobronchial stents. Survival in recipients with or without central airway stenosis was not different. Respiratory infections and duration of hospitalization were significantly increased in recipients with airway stenosis (p=0,006, p=0,048 respectively). Respiratory function tests showed a decreased forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1, %pred) in recipients with central airway stenosis, despite endoscopic treatment. Central airway stenosis after lung transplantation was not associated with a worse survival in our experience, but it showed an impact on long term lung function and it was a risk factor for respiratory infections.