Lung transplant in patients with familial pulmonary fibrosis

J Bras Pneumol. 2020;46(6):e20200032. doi: 10.36416/1806-3756/e20200032. Epub 2020 Jul 27.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective Familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF) is defined as an idiopathic interstitial lung disease affecting two or more members of the same family; poor outcome with high risk of death and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) after lung transplant has been reported in these patients. The present study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcome of lung transplants in patients with FPF and patients transplanted because of other interstitial lung diseases. Method Clinical pre- and post-transplant data from 83 consecutive patients with pulmonary fibrosis who underwent lung transplant at our centre were collected retrospectively. Patients were divided into those with familial (n=9 FPF group) and those with non-familial pulmonary fibrosis (n=74 controls). Results The FPF group was composed of 4 females and 5 males; 44.5% were ex-smokers. The majority presented their CT scan and pathology evidence of usual interstitial pneumonia. Patients with FPF had significantly lower pre-transplant levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit. No other differences in pre- and post-transplant characteristics were observed concerning controls. The clinical post-operative course was similar in the two groups. No significant difference in one-year CLAD-free survival and overall survival was observed. Conclusion The post-transplant course of patients with FPF was similar to patients with non-familial pulmonary fibrosis, although more patients with FPF had pre-transplant anaemia. Short- and long-term outcome was comparable in both groups. Lung transplant proved to be a valid option for patients with FPF as it was for patients with other types of pulmonary fibrosis.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / diagnosis
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / surgery*
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / surgery
  • Lung Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed