Native-lung complications following single-lung transplantation for interstitial lung disease: an in-depth analysis.

BACKGROUND: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) represents a heterogeneous group of lung disorders characterized by fibrotic lung tissue changes. In regions with severe donor shortages, single-lung transplantation (SLTx) is often preferred over bilateral lung transplantation for advanced ILD. However, temporal changes and complications in the retained native lung remain poorly understood. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 149 recipients who had undergone SLTx was conducted, including 34 ILD SLTx recipients. Native-lung volume, radiological alterations, and perfusion were assessed at distinct post-SLTx time points. Statistical analyses compared ILD and non-ILD SLTx groups. RESULTS: Our study revealed a progressive reduction in native-lung volume over time, accompanied by radiographic deterioration and declining perfusion. Complications in the retained native lung were observed, such as pneumothorax (29.4%), pulmonary aspergillosis (11.8%), and acute exacerbation (8.9%). Long-term survival rates were similar between ILD and non-ILD SLTx recipients. CONCLUSIONS: This study illuminates the unique challenges and complications with respect to the native lung following SLTx for ILD. Ongoing monitoring and tailored management are essential. Despite limitations, this research contributes to our understanding of the temporal progression of native-lung complications post-SLTx for ILD, underscoring the need for further investigation.

Morphological Predictors of Primary Lung Cancer among Part-Solid Ground-Grass Nodules on High-Resolution CT.

Recent advancements in computed tomography (CT) scanning have improved the detection rates of peripheral pulmonary nodules, including those with ground-glass opacities (GGOs). This study focuses on part-solid pure ground-glass nodules (GGNs) and aims to identify imaging predictors that can reliably differentiate primary lung cancer from nodules with other diagnoses among part-solid GGNs on high-resolution CT (HRCT). A retrospective study was conducted on 609 patients who underwent surgical treatment or observation for lung nodules. Radiological findings from pre-operative HRCT scans were reviewed and several CT imaging features of part-solid GGNs were examined for their positive predictive value to identify primary lung cancer. The proportions of the nodules with a final diagnosis of primary lung cancer were significantly higher in part-solid GGNs (91.9%) compared with solid nodules (70.3%) or pure GGNs (66.7%). Among CT imaging features of part-solid GGNs that were evaluated, consolidation-to-tumor ratio (CTR) < 0.5 (98.1%), pleural indentation (96.4%), and clear tumor border (96.7%) had high positive predictive value to identify primary lung cancer. When two imaging features were combined, the combination of CTR < 0.5 and a clear tumor border was identified to have 100% positive predictive values with a sensitivity of 40.8%. Thus we conclude that part-solid GGNs with a CTR < 0.5 accompanied by a clear tumor border evaluated by HRCT are very likely to be primary lung cancers with an acceptable sensitivity. Preoperative diagnostic procedures to obtain a pathological diagnosis may potentially be omitted in patients harboring such part-solid GGNs.

Evolution of Pleural Solitary Fibrous Tumors Causing Severe Hypoglycemia after Exceptionally Long Asymptomatic Periods: Report of Two Surgical Cases.

Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) is one of the paraneoplastic syndromes manifesting severe hypoglycemia caused by aberrant production of high-molecular-weight insulin-like growth factor 2 (big-IGF2). Two surgical cases of extremely large thoracic solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) with unusual history of NICTH are presented. One case manifested severe hypoglycemia after four years of the first complete surgical resection of the tumor with potential malignant transformation, and the other case showed severe hypoglycemia after ten years of the first detection of the tumor. Meticulous laboratory testing, including serum endocrinological tests and western immunoblotting before and after surgery was performed, and both cases were diagnosed as NICTH. Both patients underwent open thoracic surgery. The patients showed normal glucose and hormone levels immediately after the resection of responsible tumors with elevated blood insulin concentration. SFTs are generally considered benign; however, life-threatening hypoglycemia can happen regardless of treatment. Careful follow-up of the tumor growth is warranted.

Prognostic value of perioperative changes in the prognostic nutritional index in patients with surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: This single-institution retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the prognostic significance of perioperative changes in the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in patients who underwent surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Clinicopathological data were collected from 441 patients who underwent lobectomy for NSCLC between 2010 and 2016.The PNI ratio (postoperative PNI/preoperative PNI) was used as an indicator of perioperative PNI changes. Prognostic differences were investigated based on PNI ratios. RESULTS: The optimal cut-off value of the PNI ratio for overall survival (OS) was set at 0.88 using a receiver operating characteristic curve. The PNI ratio was inversely related to a high smoking index, interstitial lung disease, and postoperative pulmonary complications. The 5-year OS rates for the high vs. low PNI ratio groups were 88.2% vs. 68.5%, respectively (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.90-4.86). Multivariable analysis revealed that a low PNI ratio was significantly associated with poor prognosis (HR: 2.94, 95% CI: 1.77-4.87). The PNI ratio was a more sensitive indicator than postoperative PNI status alone for identifying patients at high risk of mortality, particularly those with non-lung cancer causes. CONCLUSION: The perioperative PNI change is a significant prognostic factor for patients with NSCLC.

The CONUT score is associated with the pathologic grade in non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: Nutritional scores have been reported to be useful prognostic factors for various cancers. This study evaluated the usefulness of the preoperative controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score as a predictor of recurrence of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: The present study included 422 patients with stage I-IIIA NSCLC who underwent complete resection at Tohoku University Hospital between January 2010 and December 2016. The patients were divided into the low-CONUT and high-CONUT groups based on their CONUT scores. Overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and cumulative recurrence rates in the low- and high-CONUT groups were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: One hundred forty-seven patients (34.8%) were assigned to the high-CONUT group. The high-CONUT group had a significantly worse performance status, pleural invasion, vascular invasion, and lung metastasis. In the whole cohort, the low-CONUT group showed better overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and a low cumulative recurrence rate in comparison to the high-CONUT group. There was no significant difference in prognosis or recurrence between the low- and high-CONUT groups after propensity score matching. CONCLUSION: Patients with a high CONUT score may be at high risk of recurrence because of the high frequency of pleural invasion, vascular invasion, and lung metastasis.

Long-term survival and clinical outcomes of delayed chest closure following lung transplantation.

PURPOSES: Delayed chest closure (DCC) is a widely accepted procedure in the context of lung transplantation (LTx); yet there are few reports detailing its long-term survival and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of recipients who underwent deceased-donor lung transplantation (LTx) at Tohoku University Hospital. Long-term survival, including overall survival, freedom from chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), and CLAD-free survival and the clinical outcomes of graft function and physical performance and constitution were reviewed in recipients with DCC. RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2022, 116 patients underwent LTx, 33 of whom (28.4%) required DCC. The intra-and post-operative courses of the recipients who required DCC were more complicated than those of the recipients who underwent primary chest closure (PCC), with frequent volume reduction surgery and longer periods of invasive mechanical ventilation. Pulmonary vascular disease was considered a risk factor for these complications and DCC. Nonetheless, long-term survival and graft functions were comparable between the DCC and PCC groups. The physical performance and constitution of recipients who required DCC continued to improve, and by 2 years after transplantation, exhibited almost no difference from those who underwent PCC. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the profoundly complicated intra- and post-operative courses, DCC should be performed cautiously and only when clinically indicated, despite which it can result in equivalent long-term survival and acceptable outcomes to PCC.

Lung thermography during the initial reperfusion period to assess pulmonary function in cellular ex vivo lung perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Thermography is a noninvasive technology to detect low temperatures in poorly circulated areas. In ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), lungs are rewarmed to body temperature during the initial 1 h. Currently, the effect of graft thermal changes during the rewarming phase on pulmonary function is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the correlation of lung surface temperature with physiological parameters, wet/dry ratio, and transplant suitability in Lund-type EVLP. METHODS: Fifteen pigs were divided into three groups: control group (no warm ischemia) or donation after circulatory death groups with 60 or 90 min of warm ischemia (n = 5, each). Thermal images of the lower lobes were continuously collected from the bottom of an organ chamber using infrared thermography throughout EVLP. RESULTS: At 8 min, lung surface temperatures of nonsuitable cases were significantly lower than in suitable cases (25.1 ± 0.6 vs. 27.8 ± 1.2°C, p < 0.001), while there was no difference in lung surface temperatures between the two groups at 0-4 min and 12-120 min. There was a significant negative correlation between lung surface temperatures at 8 min and wet/dry ratio at 2 h in the lower lobes (R = -0.769, p < 0.001, cutoff = 26°C, area under the curve = 1.0). A lung surface temperature of <26°C was significantly correlated with poor pulmonary function and transplant nonsuitability. CONCLUSION: A lung surface temperature of ≥26°C at 8 min is a good early predictor of transplant suitability in cellular EVLP and might be applicable in clinical EVLP.

Prone ex vivo lung perfusion protects human lungs from reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported beneficial effects of prone positioning during ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) using porcine lungs. In this study, we sought to determine if prone positioning during EVLP was beneficial in human donor lungs rejected for clinical use. METHODS: Human double lung blocs were randomized to prone EVLP (n = 5) or supine EVLP (n = 5). Following 16 h of cold storage at 4°C and 2 h of cellular EVLP in either the prone or supine position. Lung function, compliance, and weight were evaluated and transplant suitability determined after 2 h of EVLP. RESULTS: Human lungs treated with prone EVLP had significantly higher partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F) ratio [348 (291-402) vs. 199 (191-257) mm Hg, p = 0.022] and significantly lower lung weight [926(864-1078) vs. 1277(1029-1483) g, p = 0.037] after EVLP. 3/5 cases in the prone group were judged suitable for transplant after EVLP, while 0/5 cases in the supine group were suitable. When function of upper vs. lower lobes was evaluated, prone EVLP lungs showed similar P/F ratios and inflammatory cytokine levels in lower vs. upper lobes. In contrast, supine EVLP lungs showed significantly lower P/F ratios [68(59-150) vs. 467(407-515) mm Hg, p = 0.012] and higher tissue tumor necrosis factor alpha levels [100.5 (46.9-108.3) vs. 39.9 (17.0-61.0) ng/ml, p = 0.036] in lower vs. upper lobes. CONCLUSIONS: Prone lung positioning during EVLP may optimize the outcome of EVLP in human donor lungs, possibly by improving lower lobe function.

Efficacy and safety of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in lung transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: To date, reports addressing the antibody response following mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in lung transplant (LTX) recipients are limited. Thus, the aim of this clinical study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the vaccines in LTX recipients compared to controls. METHODS: An open-label, nonrandomized prospective study was conducted at Tohoku University Hospital. LTX recipients and controls who received either the BNT162b2 vaccine or the mRNA-1273 vaccine were recruited, and SARS-CoV-2 IgG was measured before and after vaccination. The adverse events were reviewed. Predictors of negative serology after vaccination were evaluated with logistic regression. RESULTS: Forty-one LTX recipients and 24 controls were analyzed. Although all controls had a positive antibody response to a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine, antibody response was found in 24.4% of LTX recipients (p < .0001). The amount of SARS-CoV-2 IgG following the 2nd dose significantly climbed to 6557 AU/mL in controls, whereas the increase in IgG in LTX recipients was 8.3 AU/mL (p < .0001). Fewer LTX recipients developed systemic fever than controls (p < .0001) despite equivalent overall adverse event percentages in both groups. A higher plasma concentration of mycophenolate was a significant predictor of negative serology (p = .032). CONCLUSIONS: An impaired antibody response to mRNA vaccines was significantly found in LTX recipients compared to controls and was associated with the plasma concentration of mycophenolate. While repeating mRNA vaccination may be one of the strategies to improve antibody response given the safety of the vaccines, emerging data on humoral immune responses based on immunosuppression regimens in LTX recipients should be studied (jRCT1021210009).

Significance of Lung Weight in Cellular Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Currently, pulmonary edema is evaluated via surgical inspection and palpation in donor lungs, and there is no quantitative standard diagnostic tool for evaluating pulmonary edema in donor procurement and ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of lung weight at the donor hospital and lung weight during EVLP as a complementary parameter of transplant suitability in EVLP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one of rejected human lungs were perfused in cellular EVLP. Transplant suitability was evaluated at 2 h as per standard criteria of Lund-protocol EVLP. RESULTS: Lung weight at donor hospital was significantly correlated with PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio in EVLP (r = -0.44). There was a significant difference in lung weight at donor hospital between suitable cases (n = 13) and nonsuitable cases (n = 8). Light lung group (lung weight at donor hospital < 1280 g; n = 17) was suitable for transplant in 76%, whereas none of heavy lung group (lung weight at donor hospital ≥ 1280 g; n = 4) was suitable (P < 0.05). Lung weight at 2 h and lung weight change during EVLP were significantly associated with P/F ratio at 2 h and transplant suitability (P < 0.05, each). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that lung weight at donor hospital, lung weight change, and lung weight at 2 h of EVLP might be a predictor of P/F ratio and transplant suitability in cellular EVLP.

Waiting time and mortality rate on lung transplant candidates in Japan: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: As lung transplantation (LTX) is a valuable treatment procedure for end-stage pulmonary disease, delayed referral to a transplant center should be avoided. We aimed to conduct a single-center analysis of the survival time after listing for LTX and waitlist mortality in each disease category in a Japanese population. METHODS: We included patients listed for LTX at Tohoku University Hospital from January 2007 to December 2020 who were followed up until March 2021. Pulmonary disease was categorized into the Obstructive, Vascular, Suppurative, Fibrosis, and Allogeneic groups. Risk factors for waitlist mortality were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to model time to death. RESULTS: We included 269 LTX candidates. Of those, 100, 72, and 97 patients were transplanted, waiting, and dead, respectively. The median time to LTX and time to death were 796 days (interquartile range [IQR] 579-1056) and 323 days (IQR 129-528), respectively. The Fibrosis group showed the highest mortality (50.9%; p < .001), followed by the Allogeneic (35.0%), Suppurative (33.3%), Vascular (32.1%), and Obstructive (13.1%) groups. The Fibrosis group showed a remarkable risk for waitlist mortality (hazard ratio 3.32, 95% CI 2.11-4.85). CONCLUSIONS: In Japan, the waiting time is extremely long and candidates with Fibrosis have high mortality. There is a need to document outcomes based on the underlying disease for listed LTX candidates to help determine the optimal timing for listing patients based on the estimated local waiting time.

Recovery of physical function in lung transplant recipients with sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND: Lung transplant (LTX) can provide a survival benefit and improve physical function for selected patients with advanced pulmonary disease. Sarcopenia is a systemic muscle-failure that can be found in a variety of life stages and disabilities. In this study, we follow the evolution of each variable defined in sarcopenia and the outcomes in LTX recipients with post-transplant sarcopenia. METHODS: Patients who underwent LTX at Tohoku University Hospital between 2013 and 2018 were consecutively included in the retrospective cohort study, with follow-up to 2019. Sarcopenia was defined by low muscle mass (the cross-sectional area (CSA) of erector spinae muscle (ESM) in thoracic CT with a threshold < 17.24 cm2/m2) and either low muscle strength (hand-grip with a threshold of < 26 kg in males and of < 18 kg in females) or physical performance (6-min walk distance with a threshold < 46.5% of predicted distance). RESULTS: Fifty-five recipients were included into the study, of whom 19 patients were defined as sarcopenic and 36 as non-sarcopenic. The muscle mass improved after transplant in both sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic individuals: the median ESM-CSA enlarged from 17.25 cm2/m2 in 2 months post-LTX to 18.55 cm2/m2 in 12 months (p < 0.001) and 17.63 cm2/m2 in 36 months (p < 0.001) in non-sarcopenic individuals, while in sarcopenic patients it improved from 13.36 cm2/m2 in 2 months to 16.31 cm2/m2 in 12 months (p < 0.005) and 18.01 cm2/m2 in 36 months (p < 0.001). The muscle mass in sarcopenia substantially recovered to close to non-sarcopenic conditions within 36-months (p < 0.001 in 2 months and p = 0.951 in 36 months). Accordingly, muscle strength and physical performance in both groups improved over time. No difference in survival was seen in both groups (Log-rank p = 0.096), and sarcopenia was not associated with an overall hazard of death (p = 0.147). There was no difference in the cumulative incidence of chronic lung allograft dysfunction between patients with or without sarcopenia (Log-rank p = 0.529). CONCLUSIONS: Even patients with post-transplant sarcopenia have a chance to recover physical function to levels close to those without sarcopenia several years post LTX.

[Assessment of Computed Tomography Sagittal Images for Early Diagnosis of Pulmonary Torsion after Lung Resection].

The incidence of postoperative pulmonary torsion is not frequent but it has a high mortality rate once it occurs, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are required. From past reports, it is considered effective to point out disruption of pulmonary blood flow by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination for diagnosis. However, the comparison of pre- and post-operative plain CT images is considered to be useful in diagnosing lung torsion, and postoperative CT lung window setting sagittal images were examined in three cases of postoperative lung torsion. Results indicate that pulmonary torsion of the middle lobe after right lower lobectomy and the middle lobe after right upper lobectomy can be diagnosed by the present method.

[Anterior Mediastinal Cholesterin Granuloma Associated with Bilateral Pleurisy and Pericarditis].

The patient was a 41-year-old man. He was diagnosed with pleurisy and came to our hospital. The pleural effusion and pleurisy remained even after administration of sufficient doses of antibiotics. A thorough examination revealed an anterior mediastinal tumor. Six months later, pericarditis also developed. Autoimmune diseases, infections, and malignant diseases were suspected, but a definitive diagnosis could not be made. In order to confirm the diagnosis, anterior mediastinal tumor resection and pleural biopsy were performed. The anterior mediastinal tumor was diagnosed as cholesterin granuloma pathollogically. Cholesterin granuloma is a granuloma formed by deposition of cholesterin crystals and cholesterin granuloma occurring in the mediastinum is extremely rare.

[Ingenuity for Completion of Thoracoscopic Pulmonary Resection after Esophageal Cancer Treatment].

In recent years, with the improvement of diagnostic techniques and treatment outcomes, the number of lung cancer cases after esophageal cancer treatment has been increasing. In general, severe adhesions are expected in the right lung, during lung resection after esophageal cancer surgery. In this study, we reviewed intraoperative findings of lung resection with respect to the influence of different treatment methods for esophageal cancer, the site of adhesion formation for each lobe, and the techniques and precautions for lung resection. There were no difficulty in the left upper major segmentectomy. During the left lower lobectomy, the inflammation around the inferior pulmonary vein was noted. The adhesions between the reconstructed gastric tube and the inferior pulmonary vein were found during the right lower lobectomy. During the right upper lobectomy, severe adhesions between the lung and the superior vena cava as well as the gastric tube in the posterior mediastinum were observed, which should be paid much attention.

Hyperinflation With Pulmonary Dysfunction in Donor Lungs With Smoking History During Lung Perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Donor lungs with smoking history are perfused in ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) to expand donor lung pool. However, the impact of hyperinflation of perfused lungs in EVLP remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of hyperinflation, using an ex vivo measurement delta VT, during EVLP in smoker's lungs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen rejected donor lungs with smoking history of median 10 pack-years were perfused for 2 h in cellular EVLP. Hyperinflation was evaluated by measuring delta VT = inspiratory - expiratory tidal volume (VT) difference at 1 h. All lungs were divided into two groups; negative delta VT (n = 11, no air-trapping pattern) and positive delta VT (n = 6, air-trapping pattern). Transplant suitability was judged at 2 h. By using lung tissue, linear intercept analysis was performed to evaluate the degree of hyperinflation. RESULTS: The positive delta VT group had significantly lower transplant suitability than the negative delta VT group (16 versus 81%, P = 0.035). The positive delta VT group was significantly associated with lower partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio ratio (278 versus 356 mm Hg, P = 0.049), higher static compliance (119 versus 98 mL/cm H2O, P = 0.050), higher lung weight ratio (1.10 versus 0.96, P = 0.014), and higher linear intercept ratio (1.52 versus 0.93, P = 0.005) than the negative delta VT group. CONCLUSIONS: Positive delta VT appears as an ex vivo marker of ventilator-associated lung hyperinflation of smoker's lungs during EVLP.

Cellular Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion Beyond 1 Hour May Improve Marginal Donor Lung Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) permits extended evaluation of donor lungs for transplant. However, the optimal EVLP duration of Lund protocol is unclear. Using human lungs rejected for clinical transplant, we sought to compare the results of 1 versus 2 h of EVLP using the Lund protocol. METHODS: Twenty-five pairs of human lungs rejected for clinical transplant were perfused with the Lund EVLP protocol. Blood gas analysis, lung compliance, bronchoscopy assessment, and perfusate cytokine analysis were performed at both 1 and 2 h. Recruitment was performed at both time points. Donor lung transplant suitability was determined at both time points. RESULTS: All cases were divided into four groups based on transplant suitability assessment at 1 h and 2 h of EVLP. In group A (n = 10), lungs were judged suitable for transplant at both 1 and 2 h of EVLP. In group B (n = 6), lungs were suitable at 1 h but nonsuitable at 2 h. In group C (n = 2), lungs were nonsuitable at 1 h but suitable at 2 h. Finally, in group D (n = 7), lungs were nonsuitable for transplant at both time points. In both groups B and C (n = 8), the transplant suitability assessment changed between 1 and 2 h of EVLP. CONCLUSIONS: In human lungs rejected for transplant, transplant suitability differed at 1 versus 2 h of EVLP in 32% of lungs studied. Evaluation of lungs with Lund protocol EVLP beyond 1 h may improve donor organ assessment.

The fraction of sensitization among lung transplant recipients in a transplant center in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody testing was approved by the Japanese government in 2018. As such, there was no longitudinal data regarding the HLA-sensitization of lung transplant (LTX) patients in Japan. We therefore set out to measure anti-HLA antibodies from all our LTX patients during their annual follow-up to characterize the sensitization status in the Japanese population. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted for consecutive LTX recipients who underwent transplantation from January 2000 to January 2020 at Tohoku University Hospital (TUH). The serum from the recipients was screened for anti-HLA antibody with the panel-reactive assay (PRA) and the donor-specific antibodies (DSA). RESULTS: Sensitization was reviewed in 93 LTX recipients, showing 23 positive (24.7%) and 70 negative (75.3%) PRA. More sensitized recipients were found in recent transplantations (60.9% (14/23), ≤5 years post LTX) than in older transplantations (17.4% (4/23), 5-10 years or 21.7% (5/23), ≥10 years post LTX) (p = 0.04). Even fewer recipients had DSA (5.4%, 5/93), among whom 4/5 (80%) were recently transplanted. CONCLUSION: The rate of PRA positive LTX recipients in our population was lower compared with those in previous reports from US and Europe. More sensitized LTRs were found in recent transplantations than the older cohort, and DSA was identified primarily in the recent recipients. Due to several limitations, it is still unclear whether the sensitization would be related the development of CLAD or survival, yet this study would be fundamental to the future anti-HLA body study in Japanese population.

A novel concept for evaluation of pulmonary function utilizing PaO2/FiO2 difference at the distinctive FiO2 in cellular ex vivo lung perfusion-an experimental study.

For more accurate lung evaluation in ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), we have devised a new parameter, PaO2 /FiO2 ratio difference (PFD); PFD1-0.4  = P/F ratio at FiO2 1.0 - P/F ratio at FiO2 0.4. The aim of this study is to compare PFD and transplant suitability, and physiological parameters utilized in cellular EVLP. Thirty-nine human donor lungs were perfused. At 2 h of EVLP, PFD1-0.4 was compared with transplant suitability and physiological parameters. In a second study, 10 pig lungs were perfused in same fashion. PFD1-0.4 was calculated by blood from upper and lower lobe pulmonary veins and compared with lobe wet/dry ratio and pathological findings. In human model, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed PFD1-0.4 had the highest area under curve, 0.90, sensitivity, 0.96, to detect nonsuitable lungs, and significant negative correlation with lung weight ratio (R2  = 0.26, P < 0.001). In pig model, PFD1-0.4 on lower and upper lobe pulmonary veins were significantly associated with corresponding lobe wet/dry ratios (R2  = 0.51, P = 0.019; R2  = 0.37, P = 0.060), respectively. PFD1-0.4 in EVLP demonstrated a significant correlation with lung weight ratio and allowed more precise assessment of individual lobes in detecting lung edema. Moreover, it might support decision-making in evaluation with current EVLP criteria.

[Current Status of Preoperative Professional Oral Care by Dentists for Elderly Patients Undergoing Lung Resection and Occurrence of Postoperative Pneumonia].

Pneumonia in elderly people is mainly caused by silent aspiration due to an age-related impairment of cough and swallowing reflexes. Because most of the patients with lung cancer are elderly people, we hypothesized that the age-related impairment of these protective reflexes might exist or occur in patients undergoing lung surgery, and cause postoperative pneumonia. We revealed that many elderly patients showed depressed swallowing reflex even before surgery and transient attenuation of cough reflex after surgery, and that postoperative pneumonia occurred only in the patients whose cough and/or swallowing reflex was abnormal postoperatively. Then, we prospectively showed that 30 elderly patients who received perioperative intensive oral care, including professional assessment of oral status, dental cleaning, and patient education for self-oral care by dentists, followed by intensive oral care by intensive care unit nurses, and encouragement of self-oral care by floor nurses, did not develop pneumonia after lung resection. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the execution status of professional oral care by dentists and the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia in 159 consecutive patients aged 65 or older undergoing lung resection from 2013 to 2014. Thoracic surgeons in our institute asked dentists to provide professional oral care before lung resection only in 30.3% of the subjects in 2013, and 45.8% in 2014. Postoperative pneumonia occurred in 3 out of 76 subjects(3.9%)in 2013, and 1 out of 83(1.2%) in 2014. In 2013, 1 patient who did not receive preoperative professional oral care developed aspiration pneumonia postoperatively followed by acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and in-hospital death. We need to make an effective system to provide preoperative professional oral care by dentists especially for elderly patients and high-risk patients before lung resection.