Our Summary

This research paper is about how lungs are given to people who need them through transplants. The people who get the lungs are chosen based on their age, where they live, their blood type, and a score that predicts how likely they are to die while waiting for a lung and how long they might live after they get it. In 2014, more people than ever before were added to the list of those waiting for a lung. The average wait time was about 4 months. The people who got a lung in 2014 were generally more ill than in previous years. Short-term survival (the time right after the transplant) is getting better, but long-term survival (years after the transplant) hasn’t really changed since 2005. After 5 years, about 42% of the people who got a lung have died. In 2014, 30 new children were added to the list and 19 transplants were performed. Depending on the year of the transplant, the death rate varied from about 7% to 43%. The youngest recipients, those under a year old, had the worst survival rate after 5 years.

FAQs

  1. How are people chosen to receive a lung transplant?
  2. What is the average waiting time for a lung transplant?
  3. What is the survival rate of lung transplant recipients after 5 years?

Doctor’s Tip

One tip a doctor might give a patient about lung transplant is to follow a strict medication regimen post-transplant to prevent rejection of the new lung. It is important to take all prescribed medications as directed, attend all follow-up appointments, and report any symptoms or changes in health to your healthcare team immediately. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and avoiding smoking, can help improve the success of the transplant.

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)
  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Bronchiectasis

These patients typically have severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, fatigue, and difficulty performing daily activities. They may also have a poor quality of life and a significantly reduced life expectancy without a transplant.

In addition to having a specific lung disease, patients must also meet certain criteria to be considered for a lung transplant. This includes being in overall good health aside from their lung disease, having a strong support system in place, and being willing and able to adhere to the post-transplant medication regimen.

Ultimately, the decision to recommend a lung transplant for a patient is made by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including pulmonologists, transplant surgeons, social workers, and psychologists. They will carefully evaluate each patient’s individual circumstances and determine if a lung transplant is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before lung transplant:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a severe lung disease such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or cystic fibrosis.
  2. Patient undergoes extensive testing to determine if they are a candidate for a lung transplant.
  3. Patient is placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant, which can vary in length depending on factors such as blood type and severity of illness.
  4. Patient waits for a suitable donor to become available.

After lung transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes the lung transplant surgery, which can last several hours.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the intensive care unit immediately after surgery.
  3. Patient begins a long recovery process, which includes physical therapy, medication management, and frequent follow-up appointments.
  4. Patient must take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their life to prevent rejection of the new lung.
  5. Patient slowly regains lung function and may experience improvements in their overall health and quality of life.
  6. Patient must continue to follow-up with their transplant team regularly for the rest of their life to monitor for any potential complications or rejection episodes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of lung transplants at this hospital or facility?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a lung transplant?
  3. How long is the typical recovery time after a lung transplant?
  4. What medications will I need to take after the transplant and what are the potential side effects?
  5. How will my life be different after a lung transplant in terms of physical activity and daily living?
  6. How often will I need to follow up with my transplant team after the surgery?
  7. What is the average life expectancy after a lung transplant?
  8. What support services are available for lung transplant recipients, such as counseling or support groups?
  9. How will the transplant team determine if I am a suitable candidate for a lung transplant?
  10. Are there any restrictions on travel or other activities after receiving a lung transplant?

Reference

Authors: Valapour M, Skeans MA, Smith JM, Edwards LB, Cherikh WS, Callahan ER, Israni AK, Snyder JJ, Kasiske BL. Journal: Am J Transplant. 2016 Jan;16 Suppl 2:141-68. doi: 10.1111/ajt.13671. PMID: 26755267