• C Müller, H Fürst, H Reichenspurner, J Briegel, J Groh, and B Reichart.
• Department of Surgery, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, München, Germany. christian.mueller@gch.med.uni-muenchen.de
• Transplantation. 1999 Oct 27;68(8):1139-43.

BackgroundThis clinical study was performed to evaluate the effect of low-potassium dextran (LPD) solution on organ function in human lung transplantation.MethodsA total of 80 patients were included in this study. Donor lungs were flushed with Euro-Collins (EC) solution in 48 cases or LPD (Perfadex) in 32 cases. Subsequently, single- (EC: n = 31; LPD: n = 15) or double-lung transplantations (EC: n = 17; LPD: n = 17) were performed. The evaluation parameters of transplant function were the reperfusion injury score (grade I to V); the alveolar/arterial oxygen ratio; the duration of respirator therapy; and the length of intensive care treatment and survival.ResultsIncidence and severity of reperfusion injury score were more severe in the EC group (31 of 48: grade I: n = 13; II: n = 8; III: n = 5; IV: n = 2; V: n = 3; LPD group: 17 of 32 patients; grade I: n = 12; II: n = 1; III: n = 3; IV: n = 0 grade V: n = 0), leading to death in three patients. In the LPD group, despite of the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, alveolar/arterial oxygen ratio values were significantly (P = 0.009) better during the early postoperative phase. Thirty-day mortality was 12% in the EC group and 6% in the LPD group. The one-year survival rate was 79% after the use of LPD (vs. EC: 62%).ConclusionsGraft preservation using LPD leads to better immediate and intermediate graft function after pulmonary transplantation and also results in better long-term survival.

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