New models for donor-recipient matching in lung transplantations.

OBJECTIVE: One of the main problems of lung transplantation is the shortage of organs as well as reduced survival rates. In the absence of an international standardized model for lung donor-recipient allocation, we set out to develop such a model based on the characteristics of past experiences with lung donors and recipients with the aim of improving the outcomes of the entire transplantation process. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 404 lung transplants carried out at the Reina Sofía University Hospital (Córdoba, Spain) over 23 years. We analyzed various clinical variables obtained via our experience of clinical practice in the donation and transplantation process. These were used to create various classification models, including classical statistical methods and also incorporating newer machine-learning approaches. RESULTS: The proposed model represents a powerful tool for donor-recipient matching, which in this current work, exceeded the capacity of classical statistical methods. The variables that predicted an increase in the probability of survival were: higher pre-transplant and post-transplant functional vital capacity (FVC), lower pre-transplant carbon dioxide (PCO2) pressure, lower donor mechanical ventilation, and shorter ischemia time. The variables that negatively influenced transplant survival were low forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) pre-transplant, lower arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio, bilobar transplant, elderly recipient and donor, donor-recipient graft disproportion requiring a surgical reduction (Tailor), type of combined transplant, need for cardiopulmonary bypass during the surgery, death of the donor due to head trauma, hospitalization status before surgery, and female and male recipient donor sex. CONCLUSIONS: These results show the difficulty of the problem which required the introduction of other variables into the analysis. The combination of classical statistical methods and machine learning can support decision-making about the compatibility between donors and recipients. This helps to facilitate reliable prediction and to optimize the grafts for transplantation, thereby improving the transplanted patient survival rate.

Long-term Prognosis After Lung Transplantation: A Monocentric Study in 510 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Lung transplantation is the final treatment option in patients with respiratory failure. Morbidity and mortality rates associated with the management of complications is high despite advances. Postoperative complications include acute transplant rejection, bronchiolitis obliterans, and infections. Because of that, the success of this treatment option depends on the correct choice of donor and candidates to receive a transplant. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to perform a survival analysis of transplanted patients in our center and determine predictive variables of mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective assessment of data collected from 510 patients at the Hospital University Reina Sofía from October 1993 to December 31, 2016. Patients who were retransplanted were excluded. We collected data regarding basal characteristics of the donors and candidates to receive a transplant. We analyzed the impact in terms of future survival of basal variables from donor and donor recipients. RESULTS: Five hundred ten patients were included (average age 44 ± 17 years, 69% male), with a maximum follow-up period of 21.6 years (average follow-up 4.52 years, interquartile ratio: 0.13 to 6.97 years). Two hundred twenty-seven patients died (54.3% of the total amount). The influence of donor's basal characteristics on mortality was analyzed; moreover, the relationship between basal variables and survival were analyzed using univariate analysis. Available variables were analyzed through multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Lung transplantation is a treatment option with an acceptable risk of morbidity and mortality. Increased awareness of features of evolution could help to reduce postoperative complications.

Analysis of the Incidence of Noncutaneous Neoplasia After Lung Transplantation and Its Impact on Prognosis.

INTRODUCTION: Increased survival in lung transplant recipients, the need for immunosuppressive therapy, and many risk factors before and after transplantation enhance the development of malignancies. This study sought to analyze the incidence of noncutaneous tumors after lung transplantation in our hospital, the risk factors for malignancy, and its impact on prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical records of patients after lung transplantation in our hospital from October 1993 to December 2014. RESULTS: The study population included 443 patients. In total, 35 neoplasia developed in 33 patients (9.6%). Twelve cases were posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs), 7 localized in the native lung, 7 gynecologic neoplasia (2 in the breast, 4 in the vulva, and 1 in the cervix), 3 in the colon, 2 in the nervous system (one was an astrocytoma), 2 in the prostate, 1 in the kidney, and 1 in the esophagus. The average time between transplantation and malignancy detection was 52.7 ± 45.4 months, being earlier in patients with PTLDs than in non-PTLD. Eleven patients who developed malignancy (all patients with neoplasia in native lung and in cervix, 1 in the colon, 1 PTLD, and 1 in the nervous system) died as a result of it. The only factor associated with an increased risk of malignancy in our population was smoking history. CONCLUSIONS: Almost 10% of lung transplant recipients developed some type of noncutaneous neoplasia and the most frequently diagnosed were PTLDs. Lung neoplasia compromised most survival in these patients.

Utilidad del índice FRAX en la evaluación de osteoporosis en pacientes con EPOC candidatos a trasplante pulmonar / Invassive pulmonary aspergillosis with myocardial involvement

Introducción: La presencia de osteoporosis (OTP) añade comorbilidad al proceso del trasplante pulmonar (TxP). Su identificación y tratamiento disminuirá el riesgo de fracturas. Objetivos: Comparar la utilidad (..) (AU)

Introduction: The presence of osteoporosis (OTP) adds comorbidity to the lung transplant (LTx) process. Its identification and treatment (..) (AU)

Bone mineral density in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who are candidates for lung transplant.

UNLABELLED: INTRODUCTIóN: After cystic fibrosis, lung transplantation (LT) patients with prior chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are most susceptible to loss of bone mineral density (BMD). OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of BMD loss among COPD patients being evaluated as LT candidates, seeking to identify, their risk profile. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included COPD patients who were LT candidates evaluated from January 2007 to December 2009. To identify patients at risk of fracture, BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine was assessed by bone densitometry. For categorization, we followed the World Health Organization criteria. To evaluate the risk profile, we recorded data on age, sex, smoking, lung function forced expiratory volume in 1 second, distance covered in the 6-minute walk test, body mass index, and degree of dyspnea. We recorded individual data as well as grouped them the multidimensional BODE (Body mass index Obstruction Dyspnea Exercise capacity) index. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 64 patients (51 men and 13 women). The overall prevalence of low BMD in any of the explored territories was 84.4%, affecting 88.2% of men and 69.2% of women. Osteoporosis was identified in 56.2% of patients, reaching a serious degree in 11/64 (17.2%). No significant differences were observed in any evaluated parameter when patients were separated into those with normal versus pathological BMD. When patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis were compared, we observed that the former showed a lower exercise capacity (P=.023) and a higher BODE index (P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of a low BMD level was increased among male patients with a worse BODE index, especially due to a reduced exercise capacity.

Lung transplantation for bronchiolitis obliterans after allogenic bone marrow transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) occurring after allogeneic bone marrow transplant (ABMT) may be an expression of lung damage of multifactorial origins. At present, it is not a usual condition for lung transplant (LT), accounting for <1% of all indications in the international registry. We sought, to describe the clinical features and outcomes of patients undergoing LT for BO after ABMT in our group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We undertook a cross-sectional study of patients with an indication for LT due to BO after ABMT from the beginning of our program. We recorded the type of transplant, patient age, clinical course, functional outcome, and survival. RESULTS: Among 313 LT, 13 cases (4.2%) were due to BO, including 3 after ABMT (0.96%). ABMT was indicated after bone marrow aplasia in 2 cases and acute myeloid leukemia in the other patient. The patients were 2 men (both 35 years old) and 1 woman, aged 25 years. All subjects received double elective LT at 24, 20, and 9 years post ABMT. At the time of LT, all displayed severe obstructive ventilatory defects with a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)<30% and partial respiratory insufficiency. The initial immunosuppression was cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids in all cases. Two of the subjects required changes in the immunosuppressive regimen: 1 due to chronic graft rejection with subsequent functional recovery and the other due to hematologic and neurologic toxicity. After 96, 37, and 9 months, all the patients were alive with baseline dyspnea of functional class 0 and a FEV1 of about 68%. CONCLUSION: LT is an effective therapy in terms of lung function and survival for patients with respiratory failure secondary to the development of BO after ABMT.

Bone mineral density in lung transplant candidates.

INTRODUCTION: The loss of bone mineral density (BMD) affects more than half of the patients on the waiting list for lung transplantation (LT), increasing their disease burden. OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of BMD loss among patients evaluated as candidates for LT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included all hospitalized patients evaluated as LT candidates over the last 3 years, excluding pediatric subjects under 17 years of age. We estimated BMD in the femoral neck and lumbar spine. Categorization used the World Health Organization criteria. RESULTS: Among 156 patients, 64 (41%) had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with only 2 (3.1%) having densitometry before referral; 55 (35.3%), interstitial lung disease (ILD) with 9 (16.4%) BMD values; and 21 (13.5%) cystic fibrosis (CF) with only 3 (14.3%) with BMD screening. The 116 patients (74.4%) who had BMD below normal values included 84.4% of COPD, 67.3% of the ILD, and 81% of the CF patients. The detection of these patients allowed us to initiate preventive treatment depending on the degree of risk of bone fracture. Half of the patients evaluated were eventually included on the LT waiting list, with 70% of them finally receiving a transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Bone mineral loss was highly prevalent among this population but its investigation before referral for LT was scarce. Its identification allows primary or secondary prophylaxis to be started, seeking to reduce the risk of bone fracture after transplantation.

El trasplante pulmonar en enfermedades raras / Lung transplant in rare diseases

La indicación de trasplante pulmonar (TxP) en las enfermedades poco prevalentes es escasa, siendo desconocido el impacto en su historia natural (..) (AU)

The indications for lung transplant (TxP) in uncommon diseases is scarce and undocumented (..) (AU)

Analisis secuencial y cronológico de la actividad de donación y trasplante pulmonar en Andalucía desde 1993 hasta 2007 / Sequential and chronological analysis of the activity of pulmonary donation and transplant in Andalusia between 1993 and 2007

Objetivo: la escasez de donantes pulmonares válidos es el principal factor que limita el desarrollo de un programa de trasplante pulmonar (TxP). Nuestra experiencia inicial analizando 280 donantes, demostró que solo el 54,7% eran válidos para trasplante. El presente trabajo pretende reexaminar el problema, analizando la evolución de las tasas de validez pulmonar con los años, identificando qué factores son susceptibles de mejorar para incrementar el número de donantes pulmonares, y determinando si el empleo de donantes subóptimos influye en los resultados del TxP a corto y largo plazo. Métodos: se revisaron todos los donantes ofertados a nuestra unidad desde octubre 1993 hasta diciembre 2007. La evaluación del donante pulmonar se dividió en tres fases: fase 1 (análisis de PaO2/FiO2, radiografía de tórax y hallazgos fibrobroncoscópicos); fase 2 (inspeccióny palpación pulmonar en campo operatorio); fase 3 (evaluación pulmonar después de la extracción donante). Se analizaron variables del donante y del receptor y se compararon entre dos periodos: donantes A (entre 1993 y 2001) y donantes B (entre 2002 y 2007). Se realizó un análisis adicional en un subgrupo de donantes con criterios de “subóptimo” (..) (AU)

Objective: The shortage of donors is a major problem limiting lung transplant programmes (LTx). Our early experience analysing 280 donors demonstrated that only 54.7% were (..) (AU)

Ventilación mecánica invasiva en fibrosis quística: influencia en el trasplante pulmonar / Invasive mechanical ventilation in cystic fibrosis: Influence in lung transplant

Introducción: La ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) en pacientes con fibrosis quística (FQ) y enfermedad pulmonar avanzada es una contraindicación relativa para el trasplante pulmonar (TP) en adultos, sin que se disponga de suficientes datos pediátricos. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 8 años en pacientes con FQ a los que se les realizó TP (n = 21), analizando sus resultados según recibiesen (n = 8) o no (n = 13) VMI preTP. Se compararon datos demográficos, quirúrgicos, postoperatorios, de función pulmonar y de supervivencia (inmediata y al año) entre ambos grupos. Se estimó el papel de la VMI preTP como factor de riesgo postoperatorio (odds ratio) y se realizó el análisis de Kaplan-Meier de supervivencia en ambos grupos. Resultados: No hubo diferencias significativas en edad, sexo y parámetros nutricionales entre ambos grupos. El tiempo medio de VMI preTP fue de 7,12 días (de 4 a 12 días). El número medio de rechazos, el tiempo de VMI posTP y la estancia en unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos fueron significativamente superiores en pacientes con VMI preTP. Ésta fue un factor de riesgo para la necesidad de circulación extracorpórea, traqueotomía, rechazo del injerto y fallo orgánico postoperatorio asociado. No hubo diferencias significativas en la función del injerto y la supervivencia inmediata y al año tras el TP, pero el análisis de supervivencia a más largo plazo sí difirió significativamente entre ambos grupos. Conclusiones: A partir de la experiencia de los autores de este artículo, los pacientes con FQ que requieren VMI preTP presentan una cirugía y un postoperatorio más complejos. La VMI no influiría en la supervivencia inmediata y al año, pero sí en la supervivencia a más largo plazo (AU)

Introduction: Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in patients with advanced cystic fibrosis (CF) is a relative contraindication for lung transplant (LT) in adults, although there is currently no data on children. Patients and methods: An 8-year retrospective study on 21 children with CF who underwent LT was performed, analysing their results as they were receiving (n=8) or not (n=13) IMV pretransplant. Demographic and surgical data, postoperative course, lung function and survival (immediate and 1-year) were compared between both groups. The role of the IMV pretransplant as a postoperative risk factor was estimated (odds ratio) and Kaplan Meier survival study was performed in both groups. Results: No differences in patient age, sex and nutritional parameters were observed between both groups. Those on IMV who received LT required more frequent and longer bypass, more need for tracheotomy, a higher number of rejection episodes per patient and multiorgan failure, longer PICU stay and longer time on IMV than those who were not on IMV when LT was received. Nevertheless, no differences could be found regarding graft function and immediate and 1-year survivals (62.5% vs. 92.3% with and without IMV respectively). On the other hand, long-term survival was significantly lower than in patients on IMV. Conclusions: In our experience, children with CF on IMV who receive LT have more complicated surgery and immediate postoperative course. Though immediate and 1-year results and survivals may be encouraging, medium and long-term ones are significantly lower (AU)

[Invasive mechanical ventilation in cystic fibrosis: Influence in lung transplant]. / Ventilación mecánica invasiva en fibrosis quística: influencia en el trasplante pulmonar.

INTRODUCTION: Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in patients with advanced cystic fibrosis (CF) is a relative contraindication for lung transplant (LT) in adults, although there is currently no data on children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An 8-year retrospective study on 21 children with CF who underwent LT was performed, analysing their results as they were receiving (n = 8) or not (n = 13) IMV pretransplant. Demographic and surgical data, postoperative course, lung function and survival (immediate and 1-year) were compared between both groups. The role of the IMV pretransplant as a postoperative risk factor was estimated (odds ratio) and Kaplan Meier survival study was performed in both groups. RESULTS: No differences in patient age, sex and nutritional parameters were observed between both groups. Those on IMV who received LT required more frequent and longer bypass, more need for tracheotomy, a higher number of rejection episodes per patient and multiorgan failure, longer PICU stay and longer time on IMV than those who were not on IMV when LT was received. Nevertheless, no differences could be found regarding graft function and immediate and 1-year survivals (62.5% vs. 92.3% with and without IMV respectively). On the other hand, long-term survival was significantly lower than in patients on IMV. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, children with CF on IMV who receive LT have more complicated surgery and immediate postoperative course. Though immediate and 1-year results and survivals may be encouraging, medium and long-term ones are significantly lower.

Índice bode en pacientes trasplantados de pulmón por EPOC / No disponible

OBJETIVOS: Determinar el impacto en supervivencia del trasplante pulmonar (TxP) por EPOC y evaluar la concordancia entre las indicaciones de TxP en nuestra serie y la guía de consenso de selección de candidatos, particularmente con el índice BODE. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudiamos la cohorte de pacientes trasplantados por EPOC. En ellos, se calculó el índice BODE durante la evaluación pretrasplante, se estratificaron en cuartiles(Q) según éste y se comparó la concordancia de la indicación de TxP con el BODE y la guía vigente de selección de candidatos. Se analizó la supervivencia global, la diferencia según cuartiles y el impacto pronóstico del TxP comparado con una serie histórica. RESULTADOS: 64 pacientes completaron los datos propósito del estudio. El 73% fueron trasplantados en BODE Q4 y el 20% enQ3. La prueba de la marcha y la escala de disnea fueron los factores más determinantes en la clasificación por cuartiles. No existieron diferencias en supervivencia con respecto al cuartil pretrasplante, pero si cuando se compara ésta entre la cohorte de los pacientes trasplantados en Q4 y la histórica de tratamiento conservador incluida en el BODE. La correlación entre los criterios de indicación de TxP en nuestra Unidad y las guías de consenso asciende al 94%. CONCLUSIONES: La indicación de TxP en pacientes con EPOC por el BODE infraestima esta posibilidad terapéutica al marginar pacientes que cumplen otros criterios de mal pronóstico. La concordancia en la indicación de TxP en nuestra unidad supera el 90%. Los pacientes en BODE Q4 deben ser trasplantados ya que éste supone un beneficio en supervivencia con respecto al tratamiento conservador (AU)

OBJECTIVES: to determine the impact on survival of the lung transplant (TxP) due to COPD and to evaluate the agreement between the TxP indications in our series and the Consensus Guide for candidate selection, particularly with the BODE index. PATIENTS AND METHOD: a cohort of patients transplanted due to COPD were studied. Their BODE index was calculated during the pre-transplant evaluation, they were stratified intoquartiles (Q) according to the results, and the TxP indication with BODE was compared with the current guide for candidate selection. Analyses were performed on the global survival, the difference according to quartiles and the prognostic impact of the TxP compared with an historical series. RESULTS: 64 patients fulfilled the selection criteria of the study. 73% were transplanted in BODE Q4 and 20% in Q3. The walk test and the dyspnoea scale were the most determining factors in the classification by quartiles. Differences in survival with respect to the pre-transplant quartile did not exist, but they were significant when a comparison was made between the cohort of transplanted patients in Q4 and the historical series of conservative treatment included in BODE. The correlation between the TxP indication criteriain our Unit and the consensus guides reached 94%. CONCLUSIONS: the TxP indication in COPD patients by the BODE index underestimate this therapeutic possibility when rejecting patients who fulfil other poor prognostic criteria. The agreement in the TxP indication in our Unit exceeds 90%. The patients in BODE Q4 must be transplanted as this involves a benefit in survival with respect to conservative treatment (AU)

Impacto clínico y evolución microbiológica tras tratamiento con tobramicina inhalada en bronquiectasias colonizadas por Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Clinical impact and microbiological evolution after treatment with inhaled tobramycin in bronchiectases colonised by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

FUNDAMENTO: Evaluar la eficacia de tobramicina nebulizada–TOBI®– en la modificación de la historia natural de la enfermedad, identificar los efectos adversos y sopesar el impacto microbiológico sobre la flora bacteriana bronquial. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Entre mayo de 2004 y marzo de2006 aquellos pacientes con bronquiectasias, excepto las secundarias a fibrosis quística, que presentaban colonización bronquial por Pseudomonas aeruginosa iniciaron tratamiento con TOBI® 300 mg dos veces al día en pauta alternante on/off cada 28 días, una vezaprobado su empleo como fármaco de uso compasivo. Se recogieron,previos al tratamiento, el número de agudizaciones, la funciónpulmonar, los aislamientos microbiológicos y la concentraciónmínima inhibitoria (CMI) para aminoglucósidos. Al noveno mes detratamiento, los pacientes se volvieron a reevaluar con los mismosparámetros junto a la identificación de los posibles efectos adversos. RESULTADOS: Comenzaron el tratamiento 19 pacientes y lo finalizaron 15. La media del FEV1 previo al inicio del tratamiento fue de 51,6 ± 15,1 %, y al finalizar el mismo fue de 54,1 ± 17,1 (sin diferencias significativas, p 0,068). El número de agudizaciones que requirieron tratamiento antibiótico, en los mueve meses previos al tratamiento con TOBI®, fue de 5,53 ± 2,7, significativamente superior a las recogidas al final de la intervención terapéutica (0,8 ± 1;p=0,001). La media de la CMI para tobramicina fue de 2,8 ± 2,1mcg/ml antes del tratamiento y de 5,8 ± 2,7 al finalizar el estudio(p=0,02). Siete pacientes presentaron efectos secundarios aunque sólo en dos tuvo que suspenderse la medicación debido a ellos. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de TOBI® no mejora la función pulmonar y en estos pacientes pero si disminuye el número de agudizaciones que deterioran la calidad de vida, a expensas de un aumento de efectos secundarios y de resistencias microbiológicas sin impacto clínico relevante (AU)

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of nebulized tobramycin –TOBI®– in the modification of the natural history of the disease, identify the adverse effects and to weigh the microbiological impact on the bronchial bacterial flora. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between May 2004 and March2006 those patients with bronchiectases, except those secondary to cystic fibrosis, that presented bronchial colonization by Pseudomonasa eruginosa were started on treatment with 300 mg TOBI® twice a day, in an alternating on/off every 28 days regime, once its use as a drug of compassionate use was approved. Prior to treatment, the number of exacerbations, the pulmonary function, the microbiological isolations and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for aminoglucosides were noted. At the ninth month of treatment, the patients returned for re-evaluation with the same parameters together with the identification of possible adverse effects. RESULTS: Nineteen patients began the treatment and 15 completed it. The average of the FEV1 prior to the beginning of treatment was51.6 ± 15.1%, and on completion was 54.1 ± 17.1 (without significant differences, p 0.068). The number of exacerbations that required antibiotic treatment, in the nine months prior to treatment with TOBI®, was 5.53 ± 2.7, significantly greater than that noted at the end of the therapeutic intervention (0.8 ± 1; p=0.001). The average MIC for to bramycin was 2.8 ± 2.1 mcg/ml before the treatment and 5.8 ± 2.7 at the completion of the study (p=0.02). Seven patients displayed secondary effects although the medication had to be suspended in only two. CONCLUSIONS: The use of TOBI® does not improve pulmonary function in these patients but the number of exacerbations that deteriorate the quality of life diminishes, at the expense of an increase of secondary effects and microbiological resistance without notable clinical impact (AU)

[A lung transplant in a woman with bronchiolitis obliterans following an allogenic bone marrow transplant]. / Trasplante pulmonar por bronquiolitis obliterante tras trasplante alogénico de médula ósea.

Graft-versus-host disease is a major complication for bone marrow transplant recipients and is often a cause of late mortality. It can affect any tissue, and involvement of the lungs--target organs of particular importance--can lead to chronic respiratory failure due to bronchiolitis obliterans. We report the case of a lung transplant in a woman who developed bronchiolitis obliterans after receiving a marrow transplant to treat bone marrow aplasia. Three years later, clinical course was satisfactory, with full functional recovery.

Trasplante pulmonar por bronquiolitis obliterante tras trasplante alogénico de médula ósea / A lung transplant in a woman with bronchiolitis obliterans following an allogenic bone marrow transplant

La enfermedad del injerto contra el huésped es una complicación importante de los pacientes sometidos a trasplante de médula ósea, en quienes es causa de una elevada mortalidad tardía. Puede afectar a cualquier tejido y, cuando afecta a los pulmones, que son órganos diana de particular relevancia, acarrea insuficiencia respiratoria crónica secundaria al desarrollo de bronquiolitis obliterante. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con trasplante pulmonar por bronquiolitis obliterante tras haber recibido un trasplante de médula ósea por aplasia medular. La evolución tras el trasplante pulmonar, a los 3 años de seguimiento, es favorable, con recuperación clínica y funcional completa

Graft-versus-host disease is a major complication for bone marrow transplant recipients and is often a cause of late mortality. It can affect any tissue, and involvement of the lungs --target organs of particular importance-- can lead to chronic respiratory failure due to bronchiolitis obliterans. We report the case of a lung transplant in a woman who developed bronchiolitis obliterans after receiving a marrow transplant to treat bone marrow aplasia. Three years later, clinical course was satisfactory, with full functional recovery

[Prevalence of malnutrition among candidates for lung transplantation]. / Prevalencia de desnutrición en enfermos candidatos a trasplante pulmonar.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the prevalence of malnutrition in candidates for lung transplantation and to establish if there are any differences in the prevalence of malnutrition among the different groups of patients regarding their illness. METHODS: We reviewed the nutritional evaluation of 163 consecutive transplant candidates referred to our hospital (1996-2001). The nutritional assessment included: clinical history, anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and biochemical measurements. The nutritional status diagnosis was determined following RWS Chang protocol. RESULTS: 163 patients (108 male/55 female; 42.9 +/- 14.7 yr.) agrupped into four main lung diseases groups: obstructive (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease): 60 (36.8%); interstitial (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis): 45 (27.6%); septic (cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis): 47 (28.8%); and vascular (primary pulmonary hypertension and miscellaneous etiology): 11 (6.7%). The prevalence of malnutrition is 60.9% (IC 95%; 53.4-68.4) and the most prevalent type is moderate caloric malnutrition (23.3%). Percentage of triceps skinfold thickness was lower in the septic group (65.1 +/- 43.0) than in the obstructive (94.8 +/- 53.9; p < 0.05) or in the interstitial one (130.3 +/- 61.5; p < 0.0001). Interstitial group had also the higher weight, BMI and percentage of ideal weight. Percentage of arm muscle circumference was only different between interstitial and septic groups (105.5 +/- 18.3 vs 95.9 +/- 11.1; p < 0.01). Resting energy expenditure was lower in septic patients. This group had lower levels of prealbumin than obstructive (17.6 +/- 4.7 vs 24.4 +/- 4.8 mg/dl; p < 0.0001) or interstitial groups (17.6 +/- 4.7 vs 27.3 +/- 7.7 mg/dl; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition in patients awaiting lung transplantation is highly prevalent, specially in septic and vascular lung diseases. Anthropometric measurements are a good and easy option to explore this problem. Nutritional rehabilitation of these patients could improve their postoperative course.

Prevalencia de desnutrición en enfermos candidatos a trasplante pulmonar / Prevalence of malnutrition in lung transplantation candidates

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de desnutrición en candidatos a trasplante pulmonar y establecer los grupos de patología pulmonar con mayor frecuencia de desnutrición. Metodología: Estudio de la evaluación nutricional de 163 candidatos a trasplante pulmonar remitidos a nuestro hospital entre 1996-2001. La evaluación incluyó: historia clínica, antropometría, impedanciometría y medidas bioquímicas. El diagnóstico nutricional se estableció según RWS Chang. Resultados: 163 enfermos (108 hombre/55 mujeres; 42,9+/- 14,7 años) clasificados según los siguientes grupos de enfermedad pulmonar: obstructivo (enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica): 60 (36,8 por ciento); intersticial (fibrosis pulmonar idiopática): 45 (27,6 por ciento); séptico (fibrosis quística y bronquiectasias): 47 (28,8 por ciento) y vascular (hipertensión pulmonar primaria y miscelánea): 11 (6,7 por ciento). La prevalencia de desnutrición es del 60,9 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento: 53,4-68,4) siendo la más frecuente la calórica moderada (23,3 por ciento). El porcentaje de pliegue triccipital es menor en el grupo séptico ( 65,1+/- 43,0) que en el obstructivo ( 94,8 +/- 53,9; p<0,05) o en el intersticial (130,3+/- 61,5; p<0,0001). El grupo intersticial tiene mayores peso, IMC y porcentaje de peso ideal. El porcentaje de circunferencia muscular del brazo sólo resultó diferente entre los grupos intersticial y séptico (105,5 +/- 18,3 frente a 95,9 +/- 11,1; p<0,01). El gasto energético basal es menor en los enfermos sépticos. Este grupo tiene niveles de prealbúmina menores que el obstructivo (17,6 +/- 4,7 frente a 24,4 +/- 4,8 mg/dl; p<0,0001) o el intersticial (17,6 +/- 4,7 frente a 27,3 +/- 7,7 mg/dl; p<0,0001). Conclusiones: La desnutrición en candidatos a trasplante pulmonar es altamente prevalente, especialmente en enfermedades sépticas o vasculares. Las antropometría es una técnica adecuada para detectar precozmente este problema. La mejoría del estado nutricional de estos enfermos puede favorecer su evolución postrasplante (AU)

Objectives: To analyse the prevalence of malnutrition in candidates for lung transplantation and to establish if there are any differences in the prevalence of malnutrition among the different groups of patients regarding their illness. Methods: We reviewed the nutritional evaluation of 163 consecutive transplant candidates referred to our hospital (1996-2001). The nutritional assessment included: clinical history, anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and biochemical measurements. The nutritional status diagnosis was determined following RWS Chang protocol. Results: 163 patients (108 male/55 female; 42,9 ± 14,7 yr.) agrupped into four main lung diseases groups: obstructive (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease): 60 (36,8%); interstitial (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis): 45 (27,6%); septic (cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis): 47 (28,8%); and vascular (primary pulmonary hypertension and miscellaneous etiology): 11 (6,7%). The prevalence of malnutrition is 60,9% (IC 95%; 53,4-68,4) and the most prevalent type is moderate caloric malnutrition (23,3%). Percentaje of triceps skinfold trickness was lower in the septic group (65,1 ± 43,0) than in the obstructive (94,8 ± 53,9; p < 0,05) or in the interstitial one (130,3 ± 61,5; p < 0,0001). Interstitial group had also the higher weight, BMI and percentaje of ideal weight. Percentaje of arm muscle circumference was only different between interstitial and septic groups (105,5 ± 18,3 vs 95,9 ± 11,1; p < 0,01). Resting energy expenditure was lower in septic patients. This group had lower levels of prealbumin than obstructive (17,6 ± 4,7 vs 24,4 ± 4,8 mg/dl; p < 0,0001) or interstitial groups (17,6 ± 4,7 vs 27,3 ± 7,7 mg/dl; p < 0,0001). Conclusions: Malnutrition in patients awaiting lung transplantation is highly prevalent, specially in septic and vascular lung diseases. Anthropometric measurements are a good and easy option to explore this problem. Nutritional rehabilitation of these patients could improve their postoperative course (AU)

[Sequential double lung transplant in Kartagener's syndrome]. / Trasplante bipulmonar secuencial en el síndrome de Kartagener.

Very few cases of lung transplantation have been described for patients with Kartagener's syndrome. We report the first case to be published in Spain. A 15-year-old girl with complete Kartagener's syndrome underwent sequential transplantation of both lungs. Due to the unusual distribution of the organs in this syndrome, the bronchial stumps of donor and recipient had to be distributed differently. With the initial technical difficulties overcome, the patient now leads a normal life two years after transplantation.

Trasplante bipulmonar secuencial en el síndrome de Kartagener / A sequential double lung transplant in Kartagener's syndrome

Se han descrito muy pocos casos de trasplante pulmonar en pacientes con un síndrome de Kartagener. Describimos el primer caso que se publica en España. Una mujer de 15 años con un síndrome de Kartagener completo fue sometida a un trasplante bipulmonar secuencial. Debido a la disposición especular de los órganos en esta entidad clínica, se hizo necesario recurrir a modificaciones en la distribución habitual de los muñones bronquiales, tanto del donante como del receptor. Superadas las dificultades técnicas iniciales, la paciente realiza actualmente vida normal a los dos años postrasplante. (AU)