The Loyola University lung transplant experience.
BACKGROUND
We reviewed our experience with isolated lung transplantation at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill. From April 1990 through June 1992, 33 lung transplantations for end-stage pulmonary disease were performed (30 single lung, three bilateral single lung). Recipient diagnoses include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, alpha 1-antiprotease deficiency, pulmonary fibrosis, primary pulmonary hypertension, Eisenmenger's syndrome, sarcoidosis, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and bronchiolitis obliterans.


METHODS
For patients who underwent transplantation for end-stage obstructive airway disease, we retrospectively reviewed functional indexes before and after transplantation. In addition, the overall survival rate was determined.


RESULTS
Successful transplantation resulted in a marked improvement in functional capacity. Single-lung transplantation for end-stage obstructive airway disease resulted in a threefold improvement in the 1-second forced expiratory volume, from 0.49 to 1.64 L. The actual survival for all isolated lung transplant recipients (including both single-lung and bilateral single-lung procedures) was 73%, with a 15% 30-day mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Isolated lung transplantation can significantly improve functional capacity as well as the quality of life in patients with end-stage lung disease.
Doud
J R
JR
Department of Medicine, Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL.
McCabe
M M
MM
Montoya
A
A
Garrity
E R
ER
D000206:Actuarial Analysis; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014019:Tissue Donors; D016896:Treatment Outcome