Recurrence of primary disease following lung transplantation.

Lung transplant has become definitive treatment for patients with several end-stage lung diseases. Since the first attempted lung transplantation in 1963, survival has significantly improved due to advancement in immunosuppression, organ procurement, ex vivo lung perfusion, surgical techniques, prevention of chronic lung allograft dysfunction and bridging to transplant using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Despite a steady increase in number of lung transplantations each year, there is still a huge gap between demand and supply of organs available, and work continues to select recipients with potential for best outcomes. According to review of the literature, there are some rare primary diseases that may recur following transplantation. As the number of lung transplants increase, we continue to identify disease processes at highest risk for recurrence, thus shaping our future approaches. While the aim of lung transplantation is improving survival and quality of life, choosing the best recipients is crucial due to a shortage of donated organs. Here we discuss the common disease processes that recur and highlight its impact on overall outcome following lung transplantation.

Predicting Pulmonary Complications Following Upper and Lower Abdominal Surgery: ASA vs. ARISCAT Risk Index.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative pulmonary complications (POPC) account for a substantial proportion of risk related to surgery and anaesthesia. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification and the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia (ARISCAT) risk index correlate well with POPC. Here, we compared their accuracy in predicting pulmonary complications following upper and lower abdominal surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients undergoing upper and lower abdominal surgery. We collected patients' demographic data, comorbidities, preoperative pulmonary risk score, laboratory results, surgical data, respiratory tract infection history within one month before surgery, surgical urgency, ASA scores and pulmonary complications within one month after the surgery. RESULTS: We evaluated 241 patients [upper abdominal surgery (UAS) n=121; lower abdominal surgery (LAS) n=120; mean age 55.7±3.1 years]. In the UAS, 55.8% of the patients were male. In LAS, all patients were female. In both groups, the most common POPC was pleural effusion with compressive atelectasis (CA). Regarding risk score, in both groups, patients with high-risk developed a higher rate of pulmonary complications [UAS (50%), LAS (40%)]. In patients with low-risk scores, the rate of pulmonary complications was significantly lower than the intermediate and high-risk groups (p<0.001). A positive correlation was observed between preoperative risk score and complications (UAS r=0.34; LAS r=0.35 p<0.05). No association was observed between the ASA scores and POPC (p=0.8). CONCLUSION: The ASA classification was found to be a weaker modality than ARISCAT risk index to predict pulmonary complications after the upper and lower abdominal surgeries.

MELD-XI score predicts in-hospital mortality independent of simplified pulmonary embolism severity index among patients with intermediate-to-high risk acute pulmonary thromboembolism.

INTRODUCTION: Acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a highly morbid and fatal condition. Although several risk stratification models exist for prediction of mortality risk in PTE, no study has yet focused on the effect of impaired vital organ function, such as renal or hepatic impairment, on mortality in PTE. MELD-XI (Model for end-stage liver disease excluding INR) score predicts mortality among patients with end-stage hepatic and cardiovascular disorders. Herein, we aimed to test MELD-XI score for predicting in-hospital prognosis of patients with intermediate-to-high risk acute PTE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records patients older than 18 years hospitalized with intermediate-to-high risk PTE between 01.06.2011 and 01.01.2019. Simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) score and MELD-XI score were calculated, and in-hospital mortality determined. MELD-XI score was compared between patients with and without in-hospital mortality and was correlated to sPESI score. The predictive power of MELD-XI score for in-hospital mortality was sought and an in-hospital survival analysis with Kaplan Meier curve and log-rank test was done for MELD-XI score. RESULT: A total of 104 patients [mean age of 70.8 ± 15.9 years; 68 (65.4%) females]. Fourteen (13.5%) patients died at hospital. MELD-XI and sPESI scores were significantly correlated to each other and were higher in deceased patients than the survivors [17.3 (IQR 14.3) vs. 10.12 (IQR 2.99); p<0.05 and 2 (IQR 1) vs. 1 (IQR 1); p<0.05, respectively]. MELD-XI score and sPESI score were significant predictor of in-hospital mortality in multivariate analysis. A MELD-XI score ≥ 10.25 had a sensitivity of 78.6% and a specificity of 70.0% for in-hospital mortality. A survival analysis revealed that a high MELD-XI category (MELD-XI score ≥ 10.2) significantly worsened in-hospital survival (p<0.01; log rank test). CONCLUSIONS: MELD-XI score performs well for mortality prediction among patients with intermediate-to-high risk PTE. This subject needs to be further studied by large, randomized controlled studies.

Acute Respiratory Failure in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Single Center Experience.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the frequency and cause of acute respiratory failure in renal transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our single-center retrospective observational study included consecutive renal transplant recipients who were admitted to an intensive care unit for acute respiratory failure between 2011 and 2017. Acute respiratory failure was defined as oxygen saturation < 92% or partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood < 60 mm Hg on room air and/or requirement of noninvasive or invasive mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Of 187 renal transplant recipients, 35 (18.71%) required intensive care unit admission; 11 of these patients (31.4%) were admitted to the intensive care unit with acute respiratory failure. Six of these patients (54.5%) had pneumonia and had shown infiltrates on chest radiography, which were shown in a minimum of 3 zones of the lung (2 with Klebsiella pneumonia, 1 with Acinetobacter species, 1 with Proteus mirabilis, 2 with no microorganisms). The other reasons for acute respiratory failure were cardiogenic pulmonary edema (2 patients), acute respiratory distress syndrome (2 patients, due to acute pancreatitis and acute cerebrovascular thromboembolism), and exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1 patient). Six patients (54.5%) needed invasive mechanical ventilation because of pneumonia (3 patients), cardiogenic pulmonary edema (2 patients), and cerebrovascular thromboembolism (1 patient). Hemodialysis was administered in 5 patients (45%). Six of 11 patients died due to pneumonia (3 p atients), cardiogenic pulmonary edema (2 patients), and cerebrovascular thromboembolism (1 patient). Among the 5 survivors, 3 (60%) had recovered previous graft function. CONCLUSIONS: Acute respiratory failure is associated with high mortality and morbidity in renal transplant recipients. Main causes of acute respiratory failure were bacterial pneumonia and cardiogenic pulmonary edema in our study population. Extended chemoprophylaxis for bacterial and fungal infection and early intensive care unit admission of patients with acute respiratory failure may improve outcomes.

[Determination of anthropometric measurements in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in Turkish population]. / Türk popülasyonunda obstrüktif uyku apne sendromunda rol oynayan antropometrik ölçümlerin belirlenmesi.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to determine the values of anthropometric measurements and rates used in the evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in our country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty accredited sleep centers in thirteen provinces participated in this multicenter prospective study. OSAS symptoms and polysomnographic examination and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 cases OSAS study group; patients with AHI < 5 and STOP-Bang < 2 were included as control group. Demographic characteristics (age, sex, body mass index-BMI) and anthropometric measurements (neck, waist and hip circumference, waist/hip ratio) of the subjects were recorded. RESULT: The study included 2684 patients (81.3% OSAS) with a mean age of 50.50 ± 0.21 years from 20 centers. The cases were taken from six geographical regions of the country (Mediterranean, Eastern Anatolia, Aegean, Central Anatolia, Black Sea and Marmara Region). Demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements; age, neck, waist, hip circumference and waist/ hip ratios and BMI characteristics when compared with the control group; when compared according to regions, age, neck, waist, hip circumference and waist/hip ratios were found to be statistically different (p< 0.001, p< 0.001, p< 0.05, respectively). When compared by sex, age, neck and hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, height, weight and BMI characteristics were statistically different (p< 0.001, respectively). Neck circumference and waist/hip ratio were respectively 42.58 ± 0.10 cm, 0.99 ± 0.002, 39.24 ± 0.16 cm, 0.93 ± 0.004 were found in women. CONCLUSIONS: The neck circumference was lower than the standard value in men, but higher in women. The waist/hip ratio was above the ideal measurements in both men and women. In this context, the determination of the country values will allow the identification of patients with the possibility of OSAS and referral to sleep centers for polysomnography.

American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification Versus ARISCAT Risk Index: Predicting Pulmonary Complications Following Renal Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with chronic renal failure are prone to pulmonary complications. Renal transplant recipients should undergo complete preoperative evaluation to determine risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. The American Society of Anesthesiologists classification and the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia risk index correlate well with incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications. Here, we compared their accuracy in predicting pulmonary complications following renal transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of renal transplant recipients between years 2004 and 2015. We collected patient data on Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia risk index, including demographics, smoking history, comorbidities, preoperative pulmonary risk score, laboratory results, surgery information, history of lower respiratory tract infection 1 month pretransplant, urgency of surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and pulmonary complications within 1 month posttransplant. RESULTS: Of 172 patients (123 males; mean age 38.82 y), 22 (12.8%) developed pulmonary complication during the first month posttransplant, including effusion (9 patients), pneumonia (10 patients), respiratory inefficiency (2 patients), and pulmonary embolism (1 patient). Atelectasis was observed in 95.4% of patients with complications. A positive correlation was observed between age and development of complications (r = 0.171; P = .025). Regarding risk score, 75% of patients at high risk and 19.5% at intermediate risk developed pulmonary complications. Patients with low-risk scores had significantly lower complications than intermediate- and high-risk groups (P < .001). A positive correlation was observed between preoperative risk score and complications (r = 0.34; P < .001). There was no association between the American Society of Anesthesiologists scores and postoperative complications (P = .7). CONCLUSIONS: The American Society of Anesthesiologists classification was found to be a weaker modality to predict pulmonary complications after renal transplant; as it relates to the general health status, than the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia risk index.

Peripheral Muscle Strength Indicates Respiratory Function Testing in Renal Recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Muscle wasting occurs in renal recipients due to decreased physical performance, and decreased respiratory muscle strength may occur due to changes in structure and function. Data are scarce regarding the roles of sarcopenia and nutritional status on respiratory muscle function in these patients. Here, we evaluated interactions among peripheral muscle strength, sarcopenia, nutritional parameters, and respiratory muscle function in renal transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-nine patients were prospectively enrolled between September and April 2016 at Baskent University. Forced vital capacity values (via pulmonary function tests), respiratory muscle strength (via maximal static inspiratory and expiratory pressures), and peripheral muscle strength (via hand grip strength test) were recorded. Nutritional parameters, fat weight, arm circumference, waist circumference, and C-reactive protein levels were also recorded. RESULTS: Of 99 patients, 68 were renal transplant recipients (43 men, mean age: 39.09 ± 10.70 y) and 31 were healthy participants (14 men, mean age: 34.94 ± 10.95 y). Forced vital capacity (P < .001, r = 0.65), maximal inspiratory (P = .002, r = 0.39) and expiratory (P < .001, r = 0.4) pressure, and hand grip strength showed significant relations in transplant recipients. Positive correlations were found between serum albumin levels and both hand grip strength (P = .16, r = 0.347) and forced vital capacity (P = .03, r = 0.436). Forced vital capacity was statistically different between renal recipients and healthy participants (P = .013), whereas maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were not (P > .05). No statistically significant relation was observed between biochemical parameters and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (P ? .05). CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory function and peripheral muscle strength were significantly related in renal transplant recipients, with significantly lower peripheral muscle strength suggesting the presence of inadequate respiratory function. Peripheral and respiratory muscle training and nutritional replacement strategies could help to improve postoperative respiratory function.

Association Between Preoperative Pulmonary Risk Scores and Postoperative Complications in Renal Transplant Recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Patients who are being considered for renal transplant must undergo thorough preoperative pulmonary evaluation to determine risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between the preoperative pulmonary risk factor score and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing renal transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent renal transplant at our institution between 2004 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, smoking history, comorbidities, and preoperative pulmonary risk factors (age, oxygen saturation, hemoglobin level, type of incision, duration of surgery, history of lower respiratory tract infection 1 month before surgery, urgency of surgery), and type of pulmonary complications within 1 month after transplant were recorded. RESULTS: Our study included 131 patients (94 male patients; mean age of 38.25 ± 12.96 y). Of total patients, 21(16%) developed complications during the first month after transplant, with 10 of the 21 (7.6% overall) developing pulmonary complications. These complications were pleural effusion (2 patients), pneumonia (3 patients), respiratory failure (2 patients), and pulmonary embolism (1 patient). There were no deaths directly attributed to the pulmonary complications. A significant correlation was observed between the preoperative pulmonary risk factor score and postoperative pulmonary complications in renal transplant recipients (P = .003). A positive correlation between the preoperative pulmonary scores and postoperative pulmonary complications existed among life-long nonsmokers (r = 0.371; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Renal transplant is an established modality in treatment of chronic renal failure. Prevention of pulmonary complications is essential for successful outcomes following transplant. Health care professionals involved with renal transplant and transplant centers should be aware of preoperative pulmonary risk factors. Patients should be observed so that these risk factors can be reduced before planned transplant. Moreover, we also suggest that smoking history should be considered as a preoperative pulmonary risk factor as it was found to be a factor leading to postoperative pulmonary complications in our study.

Smoking Is Related to Postoperative Pulmonary Complications and Graft Outcomes in Renal Transplant Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Renal transplant is an important treatment option for end-stage renal disease. A successful kidney transplant improves the quality of life and reduces the mortality risk compared with maintenance dialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease. Several immunologic and nonimmunologic factors are responsible for graft outcomes in renal transplant patients. Our study was performed to evaluate the role of smoking on postoperative pulmonary complications and graft outcomes in renal transplant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study retrospectively analyzed 1740 patients who had renal transplants between 1987 and 2014 at Baskent University. Patients with smoking data were included in the study. Patient demographic, smoking status, comorbid diseases, postoperative pulmonary complications, graft outcomes, and clinical features were recorded. The relation between postoperative pulmonary complications and risk factors was investigated. RESULTS: Our study included 131 adult renal transplant recipients who had smoking data. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was 16% (21 patients) in the first month after surgery. Smoking history was found in 52 patients (39.7%). There was a statistically significant relationship between the presence of atelectasis and smoking history (P = .004). A positive and statistically significant correlation was detected between atelectasis and pack-years smoking (r = 0.424; P = .001). We evaluated graft rejection within 1 month after transplant regardless of being acute cellular or humoral rejection. The relation between smoking history and graft rejection within 1 month after transplant was significant (P = .011). CONCLUSIONS: Renal transplant patients who are smokers have an increased risk for early postoperative pulmonary complications. Furthermore, cigarette smoking contributes to allograft loss in renal transplant patients. Smoking cessation before surgery can reduce the risk of early postoperative complications.

Postoperative Pleural Effusions After Orthotopic Heart Transplant: Cause, Clinical Manifestations, and Course.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative pleural effusions are common in patients who undergo cardiac surgery and orthotopic heart transplant. Postoperative pleural effusions may also occur as postcardiac injury syndrome. Most of these effusions are nonspecific and develop as a harmless complication of the surgical procedure itself and generally have a benign course. Here, we investigated the cause and clinical and laboratory features of postoperative early and late pleural effusions in orthotopic heart transplant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 50 patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplant between 2004 and 2015 at Baskent University. Patient demographics and clinical and laboratory data, including cause of heart failure, presence of pleural effusions at chest radiography in the first year after transplant, timing of onset, microbiologic and biochemical analyses of pleural effusions, and treatment strategies were noted. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 39.22 ± 13.83 years (39 men, 11 women). Reason for heart failure was dilated cardiomyopathy in most patients (76%). Nineteen patients (38%) had postoperative pleural effusions, with 15 patients (78.9%) with pleural effusion during the first week after transplant. Of these, 4 patients had recurrent pleural effusion. A diagnostic thoracentesis was performed in 10 patients, with 4 showing transudative effusion and 6 showing exudative effusion secondary to infection (2 patients), postcardiac injury syndrome (1 patient), and hemothorax (3 patients). Aspergillus fumigatus was detected by quantitative culture from pleural effusion in 1 patient. Tube thoracoscopy drainage was performed in 10 patients (25%), and 2 patients received antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Pleural effusions are frequent after cardiac transplant. Complications may occur in a small portion of patients, with most effusions being nonspecific and having a benign course with spontaneous resolution. Early diagnostic thoracentesis could improve postoperative outcomes in these patients.

Awareness of Respiratory Failure Can Predict Early Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Liver Transplant Recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular and respiratory system complications are the most common causes of early mortality after liver transplant. We evaluated the causes of respiratory failure as an early postoperative pulmonary complication in liver transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent orthotropic liver transplant between 2001 and 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical and demographic variables and pulmonary complications at the first and second visit after transplant were noted. The first visit was within the first week and the second was between 1 and 4 weeks after transplant. An arterial oxygen saturation value below 90% in room air for at least 1 day was considered a medically significant respiratory failure. RESULTS: Our study included 204 (148 men and 56 women; mean age 43.0.4 ± 13.06 y) adult liver transplant recipients (46 from deceased and 158 from living donors). At the first visit after transplant, 161 patients (79%) had postoperative pulmonary complications, including pleural effusion accompanied by atelectasis (47.1%), only atelectasis (17.2%), and only pleural effusion (10.3%). At the second visit, complications included atelectasis associated with pleural effusion (12.3%) and pneumonia (12.3%). All patients had documented respiratory failure at the first visit, and 92 patients (45.1%) had respiratory failure at the second visit. Causes of respiratory failure at the first visit included atelectasis in 35 patients (17.2%) and atelectasis accompanied by pleural effusion in 96 patients (47.1%). At the second visit, 25 of 161 patients (25.3%) had respiratory failure due to pneumonia. Other causes included atelectasis accompanied by pleural effusion (24.2%) and pleural effusion (23.2%). Ninety-seven patients had no pulmonary complications. The mortality rate was 6.4% within the first visit and 8.7% within the second visit. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumonia, atelectasis, and pleural effusion can cause respiratory failure within the first month after liver transplant. Early pulmonary examination, diagnosis, and treatment can improve patient survival.

Lack of association of matrix metalloproteinase-9 promoter gene polymorphism in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a public health problem. There is an effort to establish the genetic contributions to the development of OSAS. One is matrix metalloproteinases, extracellular matrix degrading enzymes related to systemic inflammation. However, the impact of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) genotypes on the development of OSAS is unknown. Our aim was to determine whether MMP-9 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (MMP-9 -1562C > T) is related to susceptibility to OSAS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 106 patients with a history of sleep apnea and 88 controls without a history of sleep apnea were enrolled in this study. Genotypes were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses after polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Genotypes and allele frequencies of the MMP-9 -1562C > T SNP was not statistically different between the patient and control groups (p > 0.05). There was a statistical association between apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and body mass index (BMI), and also between AHI and neck circumference (p < 0.001). There was no association among the genotypes and AHI, neck circumference, or BMI (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found no association between MMP-9 -1562C > T SNP and OSAS. Studies to investigate the role of other polymorphisms and expression of MMP-9 gene will provide more information.

Postoperative pulmonary complications in living-liver donors: a retrospective analysis of 188 patients.

OBJECTIVES: Living-donor liver transplant has become a viable option and an important source of hepatic grafts. The goal of this study is to establish postoperative pulmonary complications of liver donation surgery in our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 188 subjects (median age, 33.7 ± 8.4 y; male/female, 51.1%/48.9%) who had liver donation surgery from 1988 to 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Patient demographic and clinical features were recorded. Postoperative complications and the correlation of risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications were investigated. RESULTS: The incidence of early postoperative complications was 17% (n = 32), and 16 of these patients had postoperative pulmonary complications (8.5%); 2 of the postoperative pulmonary complications were detected on the day of surgery and the other 14 complications were observed between the second and seventh day after surgery. Most postoperative pulmonary complications were minor complications including atelectasis, pleural effusion, and pneumonia. There was 1 major postoperative pulmonary complication: pulmonary embolism that occurred on the fourth day after surgery in 1 patient. Late pulmonary complications also were reviewed and no late postoperative pulmonary complications were observed. There was no significant difference in early and late postoperative pulmonary complications between ex-smokers and smokers. Postoperative atelectasis was significantly higher in patients with body mass index ≤ 20 kg/m ² than patients with body mass index > 21 kg/m ² (P = .027). In our study population, no postoperative mortality was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that preoperative weight reduction strategies and early mobilization with postoperative respiratory physiotherapy could be important factors to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications in liver donors.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in heart transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is the most common invasive mycosis in heart transplant recipients. Early clinical recognition of this complication is difficult and laboratory data is not specific. Our aim was to study the characteristics of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis infections in heart transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2007 and 2013, there were 82 patients who underwent heart transplant at our institution, including 6 patients who were diagnosed with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Medical records of these patients were reviewed for demographic, clinical, and radiographic features, microbiology data, serum galactomannan levels, antifungal treatment, and overall outcomes. RESULTS: The most common species causing the infection was Aspergillus fumigatus. The infection was encountered irrespective of the duration since the transplant. Bronchoalveolar lavage with positive culture for Aspergillus species and/or abnormal serum galactomannan level was suggestive of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion, empiric antifungal therapy should be commenced as soon as invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is suspected in heart transplant recipients to reduce mortality. Although the duration of antifungal therapy for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is debatable, heart transplant recipients may require long-term therapy to avoid recurrence.

Long-term pulmonary infections in heart transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary infections are life-threatening complications in heart transplant recipients. Our aim was to evaluate long-term pulmonary infections and the effect of prophylactic antimicrobial strategies on time of occurrence of pulmonary infections in heart transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent heart transplantation between 2003 and 2013 at Baskent University were reviewed. Demographic information and data about immunosuppression and infectious episodes were collected. RESULTS: In 82 heart transplant recipients (mean age, 33.85 y; 58 male and 24 female), 13 recipients (15.8%) developed pulmonary infections (mean age, 44.3 y; 9 male and 4 female). There were 12 patients who had dilated cardiomyopathy and 1 patient who had myocarditis before heart transplantation; 12 patients received immunosuppressive therapy in single or combination form. Pulmonary infections developed in the first month (1 patient), from first to third month (6 patients), from third to sixth month (1 patient), and > 6 months after transplantation (5 patients). Chest computed tomography showed consolidation (unilateral, 9 patients; bilateral, 4 patients). Multiple nodular consolidations were observed in 2 patients and a cavitary lesion was detected in 1 patient. Bronchoscopy was performed in 6 patients; 3 patients had Aspergillus fumigatus growth in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and 2 patients had Acinetobacter baumannii growth in sputum. Treatment was empiric antibiotics (6 patients), antifungal drugs (5 patients), and both antibiotics and antifungal drugs (2 patients); treatment period was 1-12 months in patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary infections are the most common cause of mortality in heart transplant recipients. A. fumigatus is the most common opportunistic pathogen. Heart transplant recipients with fever and cough should be evaluated for pulmonary infections, and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis should be suspected if these symptoms occur within the first 3 months. Immediately starting an empiric antibiotic is important in treating pulmonary infections in heart transplant recipients.

A 10-year experience of tuberculosis in solid-organ transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Tuberculosis remains an important problem in solid-organ transplant patients due to their immunocompromised state. The objective of the present study was to report the incidence, demographic characteristics, and various presentations of tuberculosis in solid-organ transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated a total of 999 patients (male/female = 665/334, 661 renal and 338 liver transplants) who underwent solid-organ transplant between 2003 and 2013. The medical records of all patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' demographics, transplant type, primary site of tuberculosis specimen culture and pathology results, chest radiograph, and thoracic computed tomography findings, total blood count and chemistry were all recorded. RESULTS: Among the 999 subjects, 19 patients (1.9%) (male/female: 15/4, mean ± SD age, 42 ± 18.5 y) were diagnosed with tuberculosis. The majority of patients (85%) were diagnosed with tuberculosis within 6 months after transplant, and 15% were diagnosed within 3 months. Most diagnoses of tuberculosis were based on histopathologic examination of biopsy material. Of these patients, 9 were diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis, 8 had extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and 2 had both. Nontuberculosis mycobacteria infections were detected in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Even with a negative exposure history, tuberculosis can manifest as different clinic presentations in solid-organ transplant patients on immunosuppressive drugs, particularly in the first 6 months after transplant. Therefore, clinicians should always consider tuberculosis as the potential cause of an infectious disease with unknown cause to successfully diagnose and manage solid-organ transplant recipients.

Long-term risk of pulmonary embolism in solid-organ transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Solid-organ transplant recipients can develop chronic hypercoagulation that increases the incidence of pulmonary embolism. Here, we evaluate the frequency of pulmonary embolism in solid-organ transplant recipients during the first 10 years after transplantation and evaluate the risk factors for its development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of solid-organ transplant recipients who were treated between 2003 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The reviewed data included demographics, type of transplant, comorbidities, procoagulation factors, thromboembolism prophylaxis, and the timing and extent of pulmonary embolism. RESULTS: In total, 999 solid-organ transplant recipients are included in this study (661 renal and 338 liver transplant recipients) (male: female ratio = 665:334). Twelve renal (1.2%) and 1 liver transplant recipient (0.3%) were diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism developed 1 year after transplantation in 10 patients: 1 patient developed pulmonary embolism < 3 months after transplantation, and the other 9 patients developed pulmonary embolism within 3 to 6 months. No patients had a prior history of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Five patients received tacrolimus, 7 patients received sirolimus, and 1 patient received cyclosporine. Ten patients received prednisolone, and 8 patients received mycophenolate mofetil. All patients were homozygous normal for factor V Leiden and prothrombin genes. One patient was homozygous abnormal, and 1 patient had a heterozygous mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene. Two patients were treated with low-molecular-weight heparin, while the remaining patients received warfarin. Eight patients were treated for 6 months, and the remainder received longer treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Here, the incidence of pulmonary embolism in solid-organ transplant recipients is 1.2%. Renal transplant recipients are at higher risk of developing pulmonary embolism than liver transplant recipients. The factors that increase the risk of pulmonary embolism in solid-organ transplant recipients appear to be multifactorial and include genetic predisposition.