Chapter 14 - Recipient selection

Summary

This chapter focuses on how to select patients who will gain maximum benefit from lung transplantation (LT). It outlines the general considerations and exclusions pertaining to all potential recipients and focuses on disease specific guidance for the major recipient groups: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Pulmonary infections with highly resistant bacteria have been shown to have poorer outcomes in comparison with non-infected patients. The presence of fungus in the native lungs can cause problems after LT and needs careful assessment in each individual. The presence of comorbidities outside of the failing respiratory system is important considerations that can impact patient outcomes. COPD accounts for approximately 40% of LTs performed, with CF and IPF accounting for 20% each. In the current era there remains a critical shortage of donor organs, and thus unfortunately, recipient selection remains extremely important.