[Complications after lung transplantation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

A prospective evaluation of phrenic nerve injury after lung transplantation: Incidence, risk factors, and analysis of the surgical procedure

BACKGROUND

Phrenic nerve injury (PNI) is a complication of lung transplantation related to the surgical procedure and associated with increased morbidity. However, the incidence and risk factors, specifically regarding surgical techniques, have not been adequately studied.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective single-center study over 4-years, in recipients of lung transplantation with a normal pretransplant phrenic nerve conduction study (PNCS). Diaphragm ultrasound and PNCS were performed in the first 21 postoperative days and PNI was defined when both tests were abnormal. Patients were followed up until hospital discharge. The association between transplant characteristics and PNI was analyzed by using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Two hundred eleven lung grafts implanted in 127 patients were included in the study. After lung transplantation, PNI was diagnosed in 43.3% of the subjects and 29% of the operated hemithorax. Regression logistic model showed that the variables related to PNI were female gender (p = 0.02), bilateral lung transplantation (BLT) (p = 0.001), right lung graft (p = 0.003), clamshell incision (p = 0.01), mediastinal adhesions (p = 0.002), longer operative time (p = 0.003), intraoperative extracorporeal support (p = 0.02), and blood transfusion (p = 0.003). Conversely, age >61 years (p = 0.008) and higher thoracic diameter (p = 0.04) were protective factors. The use of electrocautery, cardiac mechanical retractors, and diaphragmatic traction was not associated with PNI. Morbidity was increased without any difference in mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

PNI is a frequent complication after lung transplantation, associated with higher morbidity. Mainly risk factors were age, BLT, female gender, and variables related to surgical difficulties. Lung graft in the right hemithorax and mediastinal adhesiolysis were the most relevant technical variables.

Early postoperative complications in lung transplant recipients

Lung transplantation has become an established therapy for end-stage lung diseases. Early postoperative complications can impact immediate, mid-term, and long-term outcomes. Appropriate management, prevention, and early detection of these early postoperative complications can improve the overall transplant course. In this review, we highlight the incidence, detection, and management of these early postoperative complications in lung transplant recipients.

Trends and hospital outcomes of lung transplantation among patients with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Spain: a national population-based study (2001-2015)

Purpose

To describe trends from 2001 to 2015 in incidence and in-hospital outcomes of patients suffering or not suffering from COPD who had undergone lung transplantation (LTx) in Spain.

Methods

We used the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database to select all admissions for LTx. Incidence was estimated overall and according to the presence of COPD. Outcomes included infections, complications, length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality (IHM).

Results

We identified 2,896 admissions for LTx. Admission rates rose in COPD sufferers and non-COPD sufferers over time, with higher rates among COPD patients. COPD and non-COPD patients were older, but mean age was higher in COPD patients. Although there was a male predominance among patients, the proportion of women significantly increased over time in the COPD population. COPD patients had lower Charlson Comorbidity Index values than non-COPD patients (score ≥1, 25.83% and 31.6%, P<0.05). We observed a significant increase in infections and complications of LTx or rejection for both groups over time. IHM decreased from 2001 to 2015 in both groups of patients. COPD was a predictor of lower IHM (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61–0.93) after LTx.

Conclusion

LTx-incidence rates were higher in COPD patients and increased over the study period in both groups. The proportion of women significantly increased over time among COPD sufferers. IHM decreased from 2001 to 2015 in both groups of patients. COPD was a predictor of lower mortality during admissions for LTx.

[Lung transplantation in sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis: study of 7 cases]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis (S-LAM) is a rare disease that affects only women. It is characterized by an abnormal proliferation of immature smooth muscle cells (LAM cells) that grow in an aberrant manner in the airway, parenchymal lung lymph and blood vessels, determining the onset of pulmonary cystic lesions. The disease has no treatment, progressing to respiratory failure, and lung transplantation (LT) may be a treatment option at this stage. Our goal was to study 7 patients undergoing LT for S-LAM.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We studied a series of clinical and demographic characteristics, diagnostic modality and post-transplant outcomes. We performed a descriptive analysis of the series. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival.

RESULTS

The mean age of onset of symptoms was 35 years, the diagnosis of 37 years and that of LT 38 years. The most common symptom was dyspnea. Four patients had a history of pneumothorax and pleural effusion. The mean forced expiratory volume in one second was 32.7% and the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was 29%. All patients were subjected to LT and survival was 100, 85.7 and 57.1% at one, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Three died of bronchiolitis obliterans and 2 necropsies did not show evidence of disease recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

LT is a therapeutic option in patients with S-LAM with an advanced respiratory functional impairment.