Awaiting Lung Transplantation Research Articles

Pediatric Lung Transplantation: Fit for Split?

Purpose The mortality of pediatric patients awaiting lung transplantation is high, among other things because shortage of adequate sized donors. Herein we present our approach for critically ill patients awaiting urgent lung transplantation, in which we extend our donor size criteria and perform volume trimming of the donor lung. Methods A retrospective single center study was performed, reviewing all pediatric lung transplant patients. Between March 2015 and January 2018 twenty patients underwent bilateral lung transplantation. Demography was analysed. The end points include survival outcome and lung function tests following surgery. Results Mean age was 10.6 years (SD 4.6). and mean weight was 31.1kg (SD 14.6). Nine patients had cystic fibrosis, nine pulmonary arterial hypertension and 2 bronchiolitis obliterans. The majority was female (n=11 or 55%). In nine (45%) patients lung trimming (T group) was performed. Lobar venous blood gases taken during organ retrieval were used as guidance to determine which lobe was resected. Univariate analysis revealed no statistical significant difference in mortality between the trimming and the non-trimming group. Lung function tests between 6 and 12 months after transplantation revealed a median FEV of 90% (Min 42% Max 121%) in the non-trimming (NT) group versus 61% (Min 56% Max 97%) in the T group. The median FVC1 in the NT group was 94% (Min 40% Max 119%) versus 59% (Min 55% Max 116%) in the T group. The difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion In summary, lung transplant volume reduction surgery either by anatomical or non-anatomical resection is a procedure that could offer results comparable to the conventional lung transplantation without additional morbidity or mortality. This strategy extends the lung donor pool, especially for the critically ill pediatric patients.

Bone involvement in young adults with cystic fibrosis awaiting lung transplantation for end-stage respiratory failure.

The assessment of the prevalence of cystic fibrosis-related bone disease (CFBD) and its associated risk factors in young adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) awaiting lung transplantation for end-stage respiratory failure. Clinical characteristics, bone mineral density (BMD), the parameters of calcium metabolism, including vitamin D (25OHVitD) levels, and the presence of fragility fractures were evaluated in 42 CF patients (24 females, age 34.0 ± 8.4years) consecutively referred as lung transplant candidates. Mean 25OHVitD levels (54.9 ± 26.2nmol/L) were below the reference range and hypovitaminosis D (25OHVitD < 75nmol/L) was found in 34 patients (81%) and daily calcium intakes (median 550mg/day) were lower than recommended. A BMD below the expected range for age (Z-score of - 2.0 or lower) and at least one prevalent fragility fracture were found in 22 patients (52.4%) and 18 patients (45.2%), respectively. The coexistence of low BMD and the presence of fracture was observed in 13 patients (31.0%). In these patients, the prevalence of nephrolithiasis was higher than in the remaining ones (p = 0.046). The presence of kidney stones was associated with a worse bone status and with severe vitamin D deficiency. In the whole sample, femoral BMD Z-scores were directly correlated with albumin-adjusted calcium (p < 0.05) and 25OHVitD levels (p < 0.01). Despite the improvement of CF care, CFBD is still highly prevalent in young adults awaiting lung transplantation for end-stage CF. Suboptimal 25OHVitD levels could significantly contribute to the development of CFBD. The presence of nephrolithiasis could be an additional warning about the need for a careful evaluation of bone health in CF patients.

Intraoperative extracorporeal support during lung transplantation in patients bridged with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Venovenous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is the preferred configuration for bridging respiratory failure patients while awaiting lung transplantation. However, there is no consensus on intraoperative extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support during lung transplantation in these patients. The configuration of the intraoperative extracorporeal circuit after VV ECMO bridge was reviewed and correlated with clinical outcomes. This retrospective cohort study performed at our university hospital included 34 patients who were successfully bridged solely with VV ECMO to lung transplantation during the period 2007 to 2016. Indications to switch to intraoperative venoarterial (VA) ECMO were hemodynamic compromise (systemic hypotension or mean pulmonary artery pressure >40 mm Hg) or when this scenario was thought to be highly likely. The median duration of bridging was 12 (IQR 7 to 19) days. Intraoperatively, 3 patients (8.8%) required cardiopulmonary bypass. Twenty patients (58.8%) stayed on VV ECMO and 11 (32.3%) were switched to central VA ECMO. Between the 2 types of intraoperative ECMO (VV vs VA), there were no significant differences in post-operative ECMO duration, chest reopening for bleeding, or renal replacement therapy. There was no significant difference in 90-day mortality (0% and 9.0%, p = 0.35) or in long-term survival (p = 0.59). The intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells tended to be higher in the VA group (5 [4 to 9] vs 8 [6 to 13] units, p = 0.06). Use of intraoperative VA ECMO was associated with the use of low-flow VV device bridging and lobar transplantation. Using the existing VV ECMO bridge intraoperatively during lung transplantation is feasible and provides comparable outcomes to patients converted to central VA ECMO for compromised hemodynamics.

Technical Advances in the Field of ECMO.

Although the fundamentals of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have not changed in 3 decades, the technical elements continue to improve and have evolved from an assemblage of individual components to more integrated systems with added features, enhanced safety, and improved maneuverability. The introduction of polymethylpentene (PMP) fiber technology has expanded the development of artificial membranes that have low resistance, are more biocompatible, and can be used for extended durations. Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal techniques continue to be enhanced as stand alone technology and modified renal dialysis systems are introduced. Research continues in the development of compact and wearable artificial lungs that are intended to support patients for prolonged periods (eg, patients awaiting lung transplantation). The use of high-fidelity simulation training has become a standard and important method for reinforcing technical skills, refining troubleshooting sequences, and enhancing team interactions. Modifications to mannequins and ECMO systems coupled with clinical and physiologic scenarios will help achieve greater realism and enhance learning. ECMO technology continues to improve, with adaptability and versatility being essential attributes.

Cystic fibrosis-related bone disease in young adults affected with cystic fibrosis awaiting lung transplantation for end-stage respiratory failure

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Creation of a restrictive atrial communication in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): effective palliation of syncope and end-stage heart failure.

Atrial septostomy (AS) is recommended for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-associated right ventricular (RV) failure, recurrent syncope, or pulmonary hypertensive crisis (PHC). We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of AS to manage PAH from infancy to adulthood. From June 2009 to December 2016, transcatheter atrial communications were created in 11 PAH patients (4 girls/women; median age = 4.3 years; range = 33 days–26 years; median body weight = 14 kg; range = 3–71 kg; NYHA-/Ross class IV; n = 11). PAH was classified as idiopathic (n = 6) or secondary (n = 5). History of syncope was dominant (n = 6); two with patent foramen ovale (PFO) admitted with recurrent PHC, three patients required resuscitation before AS. Three patients had PAH-associated low cardiac output. The average pulmonary arterial pressures (PAP systolic/diastolic) were 101/50 (±34/23); the corresponding systemic arterial pressures (SAP) were 99/54 (±23/11); and the mean ratio of PAPd / SAPd was 0.97 (±0.4). Percutaneous trans-septal puncture was uneventfully performed in nine patients; a PFO was dilated in two patients. There was no procedure-related mortality. The median balloon size was 10 mm (range = 6–14 mm); the mean catheter time was 174.6 ± 48 min; fluoroscopy time was 19.8 (±11) min. Syncope and PHC were successfully treated in all patients. The mean arterial oxygen saturation decreased from 97 ± 2 to 89 ± 11.7. One patient died awaiting lung transplantation, one continues to be listed; two patients received a reverse Potts-shunt, one patient died during follow-up; seven patients are stable with PAH-specific treatment. Percutaneous AS is an effective method palliating PAH-associated syncope, PHCs or right (bi-) ventricular heart failure.

Extracorporeal life support as a bridge to lung transplantation–experience of a high-volume transplant center

ObjectivesExtracorporeal life support (ECLS) is increasingly used to bridge deteriorating patients awaiting lung transplantation (LTx), however, few systematic descriptions of this practice exist. We therefore aimed to review our institutional experience over the past 10 years. MethodsIn this case series, we included all adults who received ECLS with the intent to bridge to LTx. Data were retrieved from patient charts and our institutional ECLS and transplant databases. ResultsBetween January 2006 and September 2016, 1111 LTx were performed in our institution. ECLS was used in 71 adults with the intention to bridge to LTx; of these, 11 (16%) were bridged to retransplantation. The median duration of ECLS before LTx was 10 days (range, 0-95). We used a single dual-lumen venous cannula in 23 patients (32%). Nine of 13 patients (69%) with pulmonary hypertension were bridged by central pulmonary artery to left atrium Novalung. Twenty-five patients (35%) were extubated while on ECLS and 26 patients (37%) were mobilized. Sixty-three patients (89%) survived to LTx. Survival by intention to treat was 66% (1 year), 58% (3 years) and 48% (5 years). Survival was significantly shorter in patients undergoing ECLS bridge to retransplantation compared with first LTx (median survival, 15 months (95% CI, 0-31) versus 60 months (95% CI, 37-83); P = .041). ConclusionsIn our center experience, ECLS bridge to first lung transplant leads to good short-term and long-term outcomes in carefully selected patients. In contrast, our data suggest that ECLS as a bridge to retransplantation should be used with caution.

Impact of Nocturnal Noninvasive Ventilation on Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with End-Stage Lung Disease Awaiting Lung Transplantation

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients awaiting lung transplantation is crucial to ensure a transplant benefit. However, PR in patients with end-stage lung disease treated with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) remains an area of uncertainty. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the potential benefit of PR in patients awaiting lung transplantation treated with NIV. Methods: Patients awaiting lung transplantation who underwent comprehensive inpatient PR from 1998 to 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Success of PR was assessed by comparing admission and discharge. Multivariate regression models were applied to assess the impact of long-term nocturnal NIV on PR success. Results: In total, 1,044 patients were included in the analysis. Thereof, 296 patients (28%) were treated with NIV. PR in patients treated with NIV resulted in a significant increase in 6-min walk distance (6MWD; from 250 ± 117 to 309 ± 116 m; p < 0.0001) and in various items of the Short Form Health Survey (SF)-36 questionnaire. The increase in 6MWD was higher in patients treated with NIV than in patients without NIV (59 ± 63 vs. 48 ± 55 m; p = 0.003). Furthermore, improvements of various lung function variables were higher in patients with NIV. Finally, multivariate generalized regression analysis revealed that NIV therapy was associated with improvement of 6MWD (p = 0.023) while controlling for various baseline characteristics. Conclusions: PR in patients with end-stage lung disease awaiting lung transplantation on nocturnal NIV is feasible and is associated with improvements of exercise capacity and quality of life. Furthermore, despite more advanced lung disease, patients treated with NIV have an increased benefit of PR compared to patients without NIV while awaiting lung transplantation.

Expanding the donor lung pool: how many donation after circulatory death organs are we missing?

BackgroundThe number of patients with end-stage pulmonary disease awaiting lung transplantation is at an all-time high, while the supply of available organs remains stagnant. Utilizing donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors may help to address the supply-demand mismatch. The objective of this study is to determine the potential donor pool expansion with increased procurement of DCD organs from patients who die at hospitals. Material and methodsThe charts of all patients who died at a single, rural, quaternary-care institution between August 2014 and June 2015 were reviewed for lung transplant candidacy. Inclusion criteria were age <65 y, absence of cancer and lung pathology, and cause of death other than respiratory or sepsis. ResultsA total of 857 patients died within a 1-year period and were stratified by age: pediatric <15 y (n = 32, 4%), young 15-64 y (n = 328, 38%), and old >65 y (n = 497, 58%). Those without cancer totaled 778 (90.8%) and 512 (59%) did not have lung pathology. This leaves 85 patients qualifying for DCD lung donation (pediatric n = 10, young n = 75, and old n = 0). Potential donors were significantly more likely to have clear chest X-rays (24.3% versus 10.0%, P < 0.0001) and higher mean PaO2/FiO2 (342.1 versus 197.9, P < 0.0001) compared with ineligible patients. ConclusionsA significant number of DCD lungs are available every year from patients who die within hospitals. We estimate the use of suitable DCD lungs could potentially result in a significant increase in the number of lungs available for transplantation.

High emergency organ allocation rule in lung transplantation: a simulation study.

The scarcity of suitable organ donors leads to protracted waiting times and mortality in patients awaiting lung transplantation. This study aims to assess the short- and long-term effects of a high emergency organ allocation policy on the outcome of lung transplantation.We developed a simulation model of lung transplantation waiting queues under two allocation strategies, based either on waiting time only or on additional criteria to prioritise the sickest patients. The model was informed by data from the United Network for Organ Sharing. We compared the impact of these strategies on waiting time, waiting list mortality and overall survival in various situations of organ scarcity.The impact of a high emergency allocation strategy depends largely on the organ supply. When organ supply is sufficient (>95 organs per 100 patients), it may prevent a small number of early deaths (1 year survival: 93.7% against 92.4% for waiting time only) without significant impact on waiting times or long-term survival. When the organ/recipient ratio is lower, the benefits in early mortality are larger but are counterbalanced by a dramatic increase of the size of the waiting list. Consequently, we observed a progressive increase of mortality on the waiting list (although still lower than with waiting time only), a deterioration of patients’ condition at transplant and a decrease of post-transplant survival times.High emergency organ allocation is an effective strategy to reduce mortality on the waiting list, but causes a disruption of the list equilibrium that may have detrimental long-term effects in situations of significant organ scarcity.

Prognostic factors and outcomes in Japanese lung transplant candidates with interstitial lung disease.

ObjectiveYoung patients with advanced interstitial lung disease (ILD) are potential candidates for cadaveric lung transplantation. This study aimed to examine clinical features, outcomes, and prognostic factors in Japanese ILD patients awaiting lung transplantation.MethodsWe investigated the clinical features and outcomes of 77 consecutive candidates with ILD who were referred to Kyoto University Hospital and subsequently actively listed for lung transplant in the Japan Organ Transplant Network between 2010 and 2014.ResultsOf the 77 candidates, 33 had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and 15 had unclassifiable ILD. During the observational period, 23 patients (30%) received lung transplantations and 49 patients (64%) died before transplantation. Of the 33 patients with IPF, 13 (39%) had a family history of ILD and 13 (39%) had an “inconsistent with usual interstitial pneumonia pattern” on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). The median survival time from registration was 16.7 months, and mortality was similar among patients with IPF, unclassifiable ILD, and other ILDs. Using a multivariate stepwise Cox proportional hazards model, 6-min walking distance was shown to be an independent prognostic factor in candidates with ILD (per 10 m, hazard ratio (HR): 0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95–0.99, p<0.01), while lower body mass index (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.72–0.95, p < 0.01) independently contributed to mortality in patients with IPF.ConclusionsJapanese patients with ILD awaiting transplantation had very poor outcomes regardless of their specific diagnosis. A substantial percentage of IPF patients had an atypical HRCT pattern. 6-min walking distance in ILD patients and body mass index in IPF patients were independent predictors of mortality.

Donors after cardiocirculatory death and lung transplantation.

The number of patients actively awaiting lung transplantation (LTx) is more than the number of suitable donor lungs. The percentage of lung retrieval rate is lower when compared to other solid organs. The use of lungs from donation after cardiocirculatory death (DCD) donors is one of the options to avoid organ shortage in LTx. After extensive experimental research, clinical application of DCD donation is becoming wider. The results from most of the centers show at least equal survival rate compared to donors from brain death. This review paper will summarize experimental background and clinical experience from DCD donors.

Compensatory lung growth after bilobectomy in emphysematous rats.

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is an option for emphysematous patients who are awaiting lung transplantation. LVRS reduces nonfunctional portions of lung tissues and favors the compensatory lung growth (CLG) of the remaining lobes. This phenomenon diminishes dyspnea and improves both the respiratory mechanics and quality of life for the patients. An animal model of elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema was used to investigate the structural and functional lung response after LVRS. Bilobectomy was performed six weeks after elastase instillation. Two weeks after bilobectomy, CLG effects were evaluated by lung mechanics and histomorphometric analysis. After bilobectomy, the emphysematous animals presented decreased mean linear intercepts, increased elastic fiber proportion, and increased alveolar surface density, total volumes of airspace, tissue and respiratory region and absolute surface area. We conclude that bilobectomy promoted CLG in emphysematous animals, resulting in alveolar architecture repair.

Pre-transplant Sensitization for Patient Awaiting Lung Transplant: Are We Concerned?

The goal of this paper is to highlight the changes in detection, management, and prognosis of pre-transplant sensitized candidates and recipients. With improvements in technology, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody testing has identified a significant proportion of lung transplant candidates with pre-transplant HLA antibody detection. Pre-transplant antibodies are associated with worse early outcomes after lung transplant if not addressed with targeted antibody therapy. There are promising new therapy plans to address pre-transplant HLA antibodies and potentially ameliorate the early risk of antibody-mediated graft injury. Pre-transplant sensitization continues to be a difficult problem in lung transplant. Detailed HLA antibody reports allow for precise identification of antibodies. The future challenge is how to manage these antibodies pre- and peri-transplant.

Computed Tomography–Derived Thoracic Muscle Size as an Indicator of Sarcopenia in People With Advanced Lung Disease

Purpose: Computed tomography (CT) of the chest is routinely performed in people with lung disease; however, the utility of measuring thoracic muscle size to assess the presence of sarcopenia (low muscle mass and function) has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of thoracic muscle size obtained from chest CT as a surrogate of sarcopenia. Methods: In this observational study, chest CT was obtained from routine clinical evaluation in 32 individuals with advanced lung disease awaiting lung transplantation. Thoracic muscle area from vertebral levels T4–T6 was manually segmented using Slice-O-Matic software, and average muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle volume were calculated. Measures of sarcopenia included quadriceps CSA and thickness from ultrasound, quadriceps, and biceps torque and short physical performance battery (SPPB). Results: Intrareliability and interrater reliability for muscle CSA were high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96, 0.99; absolute difference = 0.61, 1.7 cm2, respectively). Thoracic muscle CSAs and volume correlated with quadriceps size and limb muscle strength (r = 0.56–0.71, P &lt; .001) but not SPPB. Cross-sectional areas from single slices at T4–T6 were highly correlated with muscle volume (r = 0.89–0.91, P &lt; .001). Conclusions: Thoracic muscle size seems to be a reliable and valid technique that can be applied in large studies evaluating the presence of sarcopenia in patients with advanced lung disease.

Escalation of extracorporeal life support as a bridge to lung transplantation in end-stage lung disease

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to lung transplant (LTx) is not uncommon, but it is not commonplace yet. We present a case of a 45-year-old man with cystic fibrosis with recent deterioration in lung function who was initially supported with veno-venous (VV) ECMO. However, he subsequently required conversion to veno-veno-arterial (VVA) ECMO. After 21 days of support, he underwent double lung transplantation, with an uneventful postoperative course. This case shows that, in patients with end-stage respiratory failure awaiting lung transplantation, extracorporeal life support may require escalation to improve gas exchange and address circulatory requirements.

Awake Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as Bridge to Lung Transplantation: A 9-Year Experience

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used as a bridge to lung transplantation, but characteristics that influence its success are poorly understood. This large, single-center experience evaluated the implementation and outcomes of ECMO in this setting. Data were collected for patients at our institution (New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center in New York) who received ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation from January 1, 2007 through July 10, 2016. Data were analyzed for demographics, baseline characteristics, survival, and ECMO configuration. Seventy-two patients received ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation. Of the 72 patients, 40 (55.6%) underwent the transplantation procedure, 37 (92.5%) survived to discharge, and 21 (84.0%) survived for 2 years. Inotropy or vasopressor support (70% vs 93.8%; p= 0.011), Simplified Acute Physiology Score (26.8 vs 30.5; p= 0.048), and ambulation (80% vs 56.2%; p= 0.030) were significantly different between the patients who underwent lung transplantation and those who did not. Patients with cystic fibrosis were more likely to have a bridge to transplantation than patients with other lung diseases (47.5% vs 25%; p= 0.050). Daily participation in physical therapy was achieved in 50 patients (69.4%). This study demonstrated favorable survival in patients receiving ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation and achieved high rates of physical therapy and avoidance of mechanical ventilation while ECMO was used in patients awaiting lung transplantation. With more than half of these patients successfully bridged to lung transplantation, we gained insight into the factors influencing patients' outcomes, including patient selection, timing of ECMO, and patient management.

Torque Teno Virus (TTV) and Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) Viral Load in Peripheral Blood as a Biomarker of “Net Immunosuppression”: Factors Influencing Viral Load in Adult Patients Awaiting Solid Organ Transplantation

BackgroundQuantitative measurement of DNA levels of persistent highly prevalent viral infections such as Torque Teno Virus (TTV) and Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) that are highly dependent on T-cell responses for control have been proposed as possible biomarkers of “net immunosuppression.”MethodsWe examined factors influencing TTV in 51 adult patients awaiting solid organ transplantation (15 kidney, 15 liver/small bowel, 10 heart, 11 lung) and 51 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Samples from all patients were tested for TTV DNA (plasma) using quantitative nucleic acid testing (QNAT), EBV and cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology, CMV DNA (QNAT of plasma, urine, saliva), and EBV DNA (QNAT of whole blood [WB], saliva). Effects of age, sex, organ, CMV serology, and EBV DNA on TTV DNA were explored in univariate and multivariate models.ResultsPatients and controls were well-matched for age (median 48.4 vs. 49.2 years), sex 64.7% M, both CMV seropositivity (45.1% vs. 51%) and EBV seropositivity (94.1% vs. 98.0%), and detection of EBV DNA in saliva (52.9% vs. 50.0%) and WB (28.6% vs. 16.3%). TTV DNA was detected more frequently and at higher levels (Figure 1) in patients (86.3%) vs. controls (66.7%). TTV DNA plasma levels were age-dependent for patients but not controls (<50 years vs. >50 years, P = 0.021), and were only higher in patients >50 years vs. controls (P = 0.003). Only two patients and no controls had CMV DNA detected. Neither CMV serostatus nor sex impacted TTV DNA levels in patients or controls. Patients awaiting lung transplant had lower TTV levels compared with those awaiting liver (P = 0.04) or heart transplant (P = 0.03). A significant correlation between plasma TTV DNA levels and WB EBV DNA (r = 0.28, P = 0.05) but not saliva EBV DNA levels was observed in patients (Figure 2); only WB EBV DNA level was a significant predictor of high (≥3rd quartile of control) TTV DNA levels in patients in multivariate analysis (P = 0.026). Four of the five patients tested before and 27–285 days after transplant had a significant post-transplant rise in TTV DNA levels (Figure 3).ConclusionMeasurement of TTV DNA in plasma alone or combined with EBV DNA in WB may be a useful marker for measuring global immunosuppression including age-related immunosenescence in subjects not receiving exogenous immunosuppression.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Spontaneously Breathing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support Provides the Optimal Bridge to Lung Transplantation.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is being increasingly used as a bridge to lung transplantation. Small, single-institution series have described increased success using ECMO in spontaneously breathing patients compared with patients on ECMO with mechanical ventilation, but this strategy has not been evaluated on a large scale. Using the United Network for Organ Sharing database, all adult patients undergoing isolated lung transplantation from May 2005 through September 2013 were identified. Patients were categorized by their type of pretransplant support: no support, ECMO only, invasive mechanical ventilation (iMV) only, and ECMO + iMV. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log-rank testing was performed to compare survival based on type of preoperative support. A Cox regression model was used to determine whether type of preoperative support was independently associated with survival, using previously established predictors of survival as covariates. Approximately 12,403 primary adult pulmonary transplantations were included in this analysis. Sixty-five patients (0.52%) were on ECMO only, 612 (4.93%) required only iMV, 119 (0.96%) were on ECMO + iMV, and the remaining 11,607 (94.6%) required no invasive support before transplantation. One-year survival was decreased in all patients requiring support, regardless of type. However, mid-term survival was similar between patients on ECMO alone and those not on support but significantly worse with patients requiring iMV only or ECMO + iMV. In multivariable analysis, ECMO + iMV and iMV alone were independently associated with decreased survival compared with nonsupport patients, whereas ECMO alone was not significant. In patients with worsening pulmonary disease awaiting lung transplantation, those supported via ECMO with spontaneous breathing demonstrated improved survival compared with other bridging strategies.

Safety and efficacy of bridging to lung transplantation with antifibrotic drugs in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a case series.

BackgroundFollowing recent approval of pirfenidone and nintedanib for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), questions arise about the use of these antifibrotics in patients awaiting lung transplantation (LTx).MethodsSafety and efficacy of antifibrotic drugs in IPF patients undergoing LTx were investigated in a single-centre retrospective cohort analysis.ResultsA total of nine patients, receiving antifibrotic therapy for 419 ± 315 days until subsequent LTx, were included. No major side effects were noted. Significant weight loss occurred during antifibrotic treatment (p = 0.0062). FVC tended to stabilize after 12 weeks of treatment in most patients. A moderate decline in FVC, TLC and DLCO was noted during the whole pretransplant time period of antifibrotic therapy. Functional exercise capacity and lung allocation score remained unchanged. No post-operative thoracic wound healing problems, nor severe early anastomotic airway complications were attributable to prior antifibrotic treatment. None of the patients developed chronic lung allograft dysfunction after a median follow-up of 19.8 (11.2–26.5) months; and post-transplant survival was 100% after 1 year and 80% after 2 years.ConclusionsAntifibrotic drugs can probably be safely administered in IPF patients, possibly attenuating disease progression over time, while awaiting LTx.