Consensus document for the selection of lung transplant candidates: An update from the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.

Tens of thousands of patients with advanced lung diseases may be eligible to be considered as potential candidates for lung transplant around the world each year. The timing of referral, evaluation, determination of candidacy, and listing of candidates continues to pose challenges and even ethical dilemmas. To address these challenges, the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation appointed an international group of members to review the literature, to consider recent advances in the management of advanced lung diseases, and to update prior consensus documents on the selection of lung transplant candidates. The purpose of this updated consensus document is to assist providers throughout the world who are caring for patients with pulmonary disease to identify potential candidates for lung transplant, to optimize the timing of the referral of these patients to lung transplant centers, and to provide transplant centers with a framework for evaluating and selecting candidates. In addition to addressing general considerations and providing disease specific recommendations for referral and listing, this updated consensus document includes an ethical framework, a recognition of the variability in acceptance of risk between transplant centers, and establishes a system to account for how a combination of risk factors may be taken into consideration in candidate selection for lung transplantation.

Recipient Age Impacts Long-Term Survival in Adult Subjects with Cystic Fibrosis after Lung Transplantation.

Rationale: Lung transplant is an effective treatment option providing survival benefit in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Several studies have suggested survival benefit in adults compared with pediatric patients with CF undergoing lung transplant. However, it remains unclear whether this age-related disparity persists in adult subjects with CF.Objectives: We investigated the impact of age at transplant on post-transplant outcomes in adult patients with CF.Methods: The United Network of Organ Sharing Registry was queried for all adult patients with CF who underwent lung transplantation between 1992 and 2016. Pertinent baseline characteristics, demographics, clinical parameters, and outcomes were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups based on age at transplant (18-29 yr old and 30 yr or older). The primary endpoint was survival time. Assessment of post-transplant survival was performed using Kaplan-Meier tests and log-rank tests with multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis to adjust for confounding variables.Results: A total of 3,881 patients with CF underwent lung transplantation between 1992 and 2016; mean age was 31.0 (± 9.3) years. The 18-29-year-old at transplant cohort consisted of 2,002 subjects and the 30 years or older cohort had 1,879 subjects. Survival analysis demonstrated significantly higher survival in subjects in the 30 years or older cohort (9.47 yr; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.7-10.2) compared with the 18-29-year-old cohort (5.21 yr; 95% CI, 4.6-5.8). After adjusting for confounders, survival remained higher in recipients aged 30 years or older (hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9). Mortality due to allograft failure was significantly lower in patients with CF aged 30 years or older (28% vs. 36.5%; odds ratio [OR], 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-0.8), whereas the incidence of malignancy was higher in the 30 years or older cohort (8% vs. 2.9%; OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.9-4.6).Conclusions: Age at transplant influences lung transplant outcomes in recipients with CF. Subjects with CF aged 30 years or older at transplant have superior survival compared with adult subjects with CF transplanted between the ages 18 and 29 years.

Report from the 2018 consensus conference on immunomodulating agents in thoracic transplantation: Access, formulations, generics, therapeutic drug monitoring, and special populations.

In 2009, the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation recognized the importance and challenges surrounding generic drug immunosuppression. As experience with generics has expanded and comfort has increased, substantial issues have arisen since that time with other aspects of immunomodulation that have not been addressed, such as access to medicines, alternative immunosuppression formulations, additional generics, implications on therapeutic drug monitoring, and implications for special populations such as pediatrics and older adults. The aim of this consensus document is to address critically each of these concerns, expand on the challenges and barriers, and provide therapeutic considerations for practitioners who manage patients who need to undergo or have undergone cardiothoracic transplantation.

Using Bronchoscopic Lung Cryobiopsy and a Genomic Classifier in the Multidisciplinary Diagnosis of Diffuse Interstitial Lung Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Challenges remain for establishing a specific diagnosis in cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Bronchoscopic lung cryobiopsy (BLC) has impacted the diagnostic impression and confidence of multidisciplinary discussions (MDDs) in the evaluation of ILD. Reports indicate that a genomic classifier (GC) can distinguish usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) from non-UIP. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the impact of sequentially presented data from BLC and GC on the diagnostic confidence of MDDs in diagnosing ILD? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two MDD teams met to discuss 24 patients with ILD without a definitive UIP pattern. MDD1 sequentially reviewed clinical-radiologic findings, BLC, and GC. MDD2 sequentially reviewed GC before BLC. At each step in the process the MDD diagnosis and confidence level were recorded. RESULTS: MDD1 had a significant increase in diagnostic confidence, from 43% to 93% (P = .023), in patients with probable UIP after the addition of GC to BLC. MDD2 had an increase in diagnostic confidence, from 27% to 73% (P = .074), after the addition of BLC to GC. The concordance coefficients and percentage agreement of categorical idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and non-IPF diagnoses were as follows: GC vs MDD1: 0.92, 96%; GC vs MDD2: 0.83, 92%; BLC1 vs MDD1: 0.67, 83%; BLC2 vs MDD2: 0.66, 83%. INTERPRETATION: GC increased diagnostic confidence when added to BLC for patients with a probable UIP pattern, and in appropriate clinical settings can be used without BLC. In contrast, BLC had the greatest impact regarding a specific diagnosis when the likelihood of UIP was considered low following clinical-radiographic review.

Lung transplantation: indications and contraindications.

The selection of appropriate recipients for lung transplantation is an evolving discipline. As experience with the procedure has developed over the last decades, the identification of transplant candidates has also changed as transplant centers strive to safely provide the therapy to as many patients possible. The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) has developed three editions of recipient selection guidelines. Published in 1998, 2006, and 2015, these guidelines represented the best information relevant to the appropriate selection of lung transplant candidates. A discussion of areas supported by the most robust scientific data will be undertaken, but in many aspects of recipient selection, there is a paucity of data upon which to rely. Therefore, it is ultimately the prerogative and responsibility of individual centers to determine, after carefully weighing the best evidence available, whether a patient is deemed a suitable candidate at a specific program. All possible indications and contraindications for transplantation will be reviewed with attention also given to the appropriate timing of referral and listing of patients with advanced lung disease to a transplant center.

Human leukocyte antigens antibodies after lung transplantation: Primary results of the HALT study.

Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) to mismatched human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are associated with worse outcomes after lung transplantation. To determine the incidence and characteristics of DSA early after lung transplantation, we conducted a prospective multicenter observational study that used standardized treatment and testing protocols. Among 119 transplant recipients, 43 (36%) developed DSA: 6 (14%) developed DSA only to class I HLA, 23 (53%) developed DSA only to class II HLA, and 14 (33%) developed DSA to both class I and class II HLA. The median DSA mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was 3197. We identified a significant association between the Lung Allocation Score and the development of DSA (HR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.001-1.03, P = .047) and a significant association between DSA with an MFI ≥ 3000 and acute cellular rejection (ACR) grade ≥ A2 (HR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.04-4.27, P = .039). However, we did not detect an association between DSA and survival. We conclude that DSA occur frequently early after lung transplantation, and most target class II HLA. DSA with an MFI ≥ 3000 have a significant association with ACR. Extended follow-up is necessary to determine the impact of DSA on other important outcomes.

Quantitative Evidence for Revising the Definition of Primary Graft Dysfunction after Lung Transplant.

RATIONALE: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a form of acute lung injury that occurs after lung transplantation. The definition of PGD was standardized in 2005. Since that time, clinical practice has evolved, and this definition is increasingly used as a primary endpoint for clinical trials; therefore, validation is warranted. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether refinements to the 2005 consensus definition could further improve construct validity. METHODS: Data from the Lung Transplant Outcomes Group multicenter cohort were used to compare variations on the PGD definition, including alternate oxygenation thresholds, inclusion of additional severity groups, and effects of procedure type and mechanical ventilation. Convergent and divergent validity were compared for mortality prediction and concurrent lung injury biomarker discrimination. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 1,179 subjects from 10 centers were enrolled from 2007 to 2012. Median length of follow-up was 4 years (interquartile range = 2.4-5.9). No mortality differences were noted between no PGD (grade 0) and mild PGD (grade 1). Significantly better mortality discrimination was evident for all definitions using later time points (48, 72, or 48-72 hours; P < 0.001). Biomarker divergent discrimination was superior when collapsing grades 0 and 1. Additional severity grades, use of mechanical ventilation, and transplant procedure type had minimal or no effect on mortality or biomarker discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: The PGD consensus definition can be simplified by combining lower PGD grades. Construct validity of grading was present regardless of transplant procedure type or use of mechanical ventilation. Additional severity categories had minimal impact on mortality or biomarker discrimination.

Lung transplantation following death by drowning: a review of the current literature.

While multiple donor characteristics have been cited as ideal for lung transplantation, there are minimal widely accepted exclusion criteria. One criterion that many centers view with hesitation is death by drowning. However, recent literature suggests such donors may result in acceptable outcomes following transplantation. This review highlights a case of a patient who underwent a successful bilateral lung transplant from a donor following a drowning event. A review of the current literature is presented, concluding with a new proposed set of favorable donor criteria following death by drowning.

Effect of Transplant Center Volume on Cost and Readmissions in Medicare Lung Transplant Recipients.

RATIONALE: Although lung transplant recipient survival is better at higher volume centers, the effect of center volume on admission cost and early hospital readmission is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To understand the association between transplant center volume and recipient risk-adjusted transplant admission cost, in-hospital mortality, and early hospital readmission in lung transplant recipients. METHODS: Medicare lung transplant recipients from May 4, 2005 to December 31, 2011 were identified through linkage of transplant registry and Medicare administrative claims. Transplant admission cost was extracted, adjusted for regional price variation, and compared across low-, intermediate-, and high-volume centers. A multivariable hierarchical generalized linear regression model was used to assess the effect of transplant center volume on recipient adjusted cost. Modified Poisson regression models were used to assess adjusted in-hospital mortality and early hospital readmission by transplant center volume. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: There were 3,128 Medicare lung transplant recipients identified. Unadjusted transplant cost was lower at high-volume centers (mean, $131,352 [SD, ±$106,165]; median, $90,177; interquartile range [IQR], $79,165-$137,915) than at intermediate-volume (mean, $138,792 [SD, ±$106,270]; median, $93,024; IQR, $82,700-$154,857) or low-volume (mean, $143,609 [SD, ±$123,316]; median, $95,234; IQR, $83,052-$152,149) centers (P < 0.0001). After adjusting for recipient health risk, low-volume centers had an 11.66% greater transplant admission cost (P = 0.040), a 41% greater risk for in-hospital mortality (P = 0.015), and a 14% greater risk for early hospital readmission (P = 0.033) compared with high-volume centers. There was no significant difference in transplant cost, in-hospital mortality, or early hospital readmission between intermediate- and high-volume centers. CONCLUSIONS: Lung transplant admission cost, in-hospital mortality, and early hospital readmission rate are lower at high-volume centers compared with low-volume centers.

Addressing inherited predisposition for breast cancer in transplant recipients.

Consideration of prophylactic mastectomy surgery following transplantation requires complex medical decision-making, and bias against elective surgery exists because of concern for post-operative complications. Prevention of cancer in transplant recipients is of utmost importance, given the risks of treating malignancy in an immunosuppressed patient. We present a patient case and review of the literature to support a thorough pre-transplantation evaluation of family history and consideration of prophylactic interventions to safeguard the quality of life of transplant recipients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:605-608. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Noninvasive monitoring of infection and rejection after lung transplantation.

The survival rate following lung transplantation is among the lowest of all solid-organ transplants, and current diagnostic tests often fail to distinguish between infection and rejection, the two primary posttransplant clinical complications. We describe a diagnostic assay that simultaneously monitors for rejection and infection in lung transplant recipients by sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma. We determined that the levels of donor-derived cfDNA directly correlate with the results of invasive tests of rejection (area under the curve 0.9). We also analyzed the nonhuman cfDNA as a hypothesis-free approach to test for infections. Cytomegalovirus is most frequently assayed clinically, and the levels of CMV-derived sequences in cfDNA are consistent with clinical results. We furthermore show that hypothesis-free monitoring for pathogens using cfDNA reveals undiagnosed cases of infection, and that certain infectious pathogens such as human herpesvirus (HHV) 6, HHV-7, and adenovirus, which are not often tested clinically, occur with high frequency in this cohort.

Heart-lung vs. double-lung transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) have improved survival after heart-lung transplantation (HLT) and double-lung transplantation (DLT). However, the optimal procedure for patients with IPAH undergoing transplantation remains unclear. We hypothesized that critically ill IPAH patients, defined by admission to the intensive care units (ICU), would demonstrate improved survival with HLT vs. DLT. All adult IPAH patients (>18 yr) in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database, who underwent either HLT or DLT between 1987 and 2012, were included. Baseline characteristics, survival, and adjusted survival were compared between the HLT and DLT groups. Similar analyses were performed for the subgroups as defined by the recipients' hospitalization status. A total of 928 IPAH patients (667 DLT, 261 HLT) were included in this analysis. The HLT recipients were younger, more likely to be admitted to the ICU, and have had their transplant in previous eras. Overall, the adjusted survivals after HLT or DLT were similar. For recipients who were hospitalized in the ICU, DLT was associated with worse outcomes (HR 1.827; 95% CI 1.018-3.279). In IPAH patients, the overall survival after HLT or DLT is comparable. HLT may provide improved outcomes in critically ill IPAH patients admitted to the ICU at time of transplantation.

Increased resource use in lung transplant admissions in the lung allocation score era.

RATIONALE: In 2005, the lung allocation score (LAS) was implemented to prioritize organ allocation to minimize waiting-list mortality and maximize 1-year survival. It resulted in transplantation of older and sicker patients without changing 1-year survival. Its effect on resource use is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine changes in resource use over time in lung transplant admissions. METHODS: Solid organ transplant recipients were identified within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data from 2000 to 2011. Joinpoint regression methodology was performed to identify a time point of change in mean total hospital charges among lung transplant and other solid-organ transplant recipients. Two temporal lung transplant recipient cohorts identified by joinpoint regression were compared for baseline characteristics and resource use, including total charges for index hospitalization, charges per day, length of stay, discharge disposition, tracheostomy, and need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A significant point of increased total hospital charges occurred for lung transplant recipients in 2005, corresponding to LAS implementation, which was not seen in other solid-organ transplant recipients. Total transplant hospital charges increased by 40% in the post-LAS cohort ($569,942 [$53,229] vs. $407,489 [$28,360]) along with an increased median length of stay, daily charges, and discharge disposition other than to home. Post-LAS recipients also had higher post-transplant use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (odds ratio, 2.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-3.55) and higher incidence of tracheostomy (odds ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-1.89). CONCLUSIONS: LAS implementation is associated with a significant increase in resource use during index hospitalization for lung transplant.

A consensus document for the selection of lung transplant candidates: 2014--an update from the Pulmonary Transplantation Council of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.

The appropriate selection of lung transplant recipients is an important determinant of outcomes. This consensus document is an update of the recipient selection guidelines published in 2006. The Pulmonary Council of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) organized a Writing Committee of international experts to provide consensus opinion regarding the appropriate timing of referral and listing of candidates for lung transplantation. A comprehensive search of the medical literature was conducted with the assistance of a medical librarian. Writing Committee members were assigned specific topics to research and discuss. The Chairs of the Writing Committee were responsible for evaluating the completeness of the literature search, providing editorial support for the manuscript, and organizing group discussions regarding its content. The consensus document makes specific recommendations regarding the timing of referral and of listing for lung transplantation. These recommendations include discussions not present in previous ISHLT guidelines, including lung allocation scores, bridging to transplant with mechanical circulatory and ventilator support, and expanded indications for lung transplantation. In the absence of high-grade evidence to support decision making, these consensus guidelines remain part of a continuum of expert opinion based on available studies and personal experience. Some positions are immutable. Although transplant is rightly a treatment of last resort for end-stage lung disease, early referral allows proper evaluation and thorough patient education. Subsequent waiting list activation implies a tacit agreement that transplant offers a significant individual survival advantage. It is both the challenge and the responsibility of the transplant community globally to ensure organ allocation maximizes the potential benefits of a scarce resource, thereby achieving that advantage.