ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the risk factors of central airway stenosis after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 155 recipients undergoing lung transplantation in Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from July 2016 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the incidence of central airway stenosis following lung transplantation, all recipients were divided into the stenosis group (n=36) and control group (n=119). The incidence of central airway stenosis after lung transplantation was summarized. The risk factors of central airway stenosis after lung transplantation were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Among 155 lung transplant recipients, 36 cases (23.2%) developed central airway stenosis. The average incidence time was (53±13) d after lung transplantation. Univariate analysis demonstrated that bilateral lung transplantation, grade 3 primary graft dysfunction (PGD), airway fungal infection, long cold ischemia time, long mechanical ventilation time and long intensive care unit (ICU) stay were the risk factors for central airway stenosis after lung transplantation (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that airway fungal infection, long cold ischemia time and long mechanical ventilation time were the independent risk factors for central airway stenosis after lung transplantation (all P < 0.05). Conclusions Airway fungal infection after lung transplantation, long cold ischemia time and long mechanical ventilation time probably lead to central airway stenosis after lung transplantation. Active preventive measures and intimate monitoring should be taken to improve the quality of life of the recipients after lung transplantation.