Our Summary

This study looked at factors that impact a person’s likelihood of surviving more than 10 years after a lung transplant. The researchers used a database of adults who had received their first lung transplant between 2005 and 2009. They sorted the patients into three groups: those who lived less than a year after the transplant, those who survived between 1 and 10 years, and those who survived more than 10 years.

They found that factors such as the donor being of Black race, using cigarettes, having a certain oxygen level, having diabetes, having a high “Lung Allocation Score” (a system used to prioritize who gets a lung transplant), high levels of a molecule called bilirubin, needing a temporary life support machine, getting only one lung transplanted, and the number of transplants performed at the hospital were all related to dying within a year of the transplant.

On the other hand, the only factors that seemed to influence surviving more than 10 years were the age of the person who donated the lung and whether the transplant involved one or two lungs.

Interestingly, the Lung Allocation Score, which helps decide who gets a transplant, didn’t affect the chances of surviving more than 10 years.

The researchers suggest that more studies are needed to help doctors choose who should get a lung transplant and how to take care of them afterwards to help more people live longer after the procedure.

FAQs

  1. What factors were found to impact a person’s likelihood of surviving more than 10 years after a lung transplant?
  2. What influences were related to dying within a year of a lung transplant?
  3. Did the Lung Allocation Score have any effect on the chances of a patient surviving more than 10 years after a lung transplant?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient considering a lung transplant is to maintain a healthy lifestyle before and after the surgery. This includes quitting smoking, following a nutritious diet, staying physically active, and taking medications as prescribed. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare team. By taking care of your overall health, you can increase your chances of a successful lung transplant and long-term survival.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a lung transplant are those with end-stage lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. These patients have exhausted all other treatment options and have a significantly reduced quality of life due to their lung disease. Additionally, patients must meet certain criteria, such as being physically fit enough to undergo the surgery and able to adhere to the post-transplant medication regimen.

It is important to note that not all patients who are recommended for a lung transplant will receive one, as there is a limited supply of donor lungs. The decision to undergo a lung transplant is made on a case-by-case basis by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including pulmonologists, transplant surgeons, and social workers, who evaluate each patient’s medical history, current health status, and potential for post-transplant success.

Timeline

Before a lung transplant, a patient typically experiences worsening symptoms of their lung disease, such as shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. They undergo a series of tests and evaluations to determine if they are a suitable candidate for a transplant, including blood tests, imaging studies, and consultations with various specialists. Once approved for a transplant, the patient is placed on a waiting list for a donor organ.

After a lung transplant, the patient undergoes a period of recovery in the hospital, which may include monitoring for complications, physical therapy, and medication management. They are closely monitored for signs of rejection or infection, and may need to make significant lifestyle changes to maintain their health. Over time, the patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their transplant team to monitor their progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed. With proper care and adherence to medications, some patients may experience improved quality of life and long-term survival following a lung transplant.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of lung transplants at this hospital?
  2. What is the average lifespan of a lung transplant recipient?
  3. What are the risks and potential complications of a lung transplant?
  4. How long is the recovery process and what kind of follow-up care is necessary?
  5. What is the criteria for being eligible for a lung transplant?
  6. How are donors matched with recipients?
  7. What is the expected wait time for a suitable donor?
  8. What medications will need to be taken post-transplant and what are the potential side effects?
  9. What lifestyle changes will need to be made after a lung transplant?
  10. What is the hospital’s experience with lung transplants and how many have they performed?

Reference

Authors: Jawitz OK, Raman V, Becerra D, Klapper J, Hartwig MG. Journal: J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2022 Mar;163(3):853-860.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2020.09.097. Epub 2020 Oct 7. PMID: 33168166