Pediatric transplantation
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Pediatric transplantation · Oct 2001
Prediction of mortality and timing of referral for lung transplantation in cystic fibrosis patients.
Lung transplantation (Tx) is an optional treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with end-stage lung disease. The decision to place a patient on the Tx waiting list is frequently complex, difficult, and controversial. This study evaluated the current criteria for lung Tx and assessed additional parameters that may identify CF patients at high risk of death. ⋯ Two factors--rate of decline in FEV(1) values and age < 15 yr--were found to influence the mortality rate, while the other parameters examined did not. Our results indicate that the current criterion of FEV(1)< 30% predicted, alone is not sufficiently sensitive to predict the mortality rate in CF patients and time of referral for Tx, as many of these patients survive for long periods of time. Additional criteria to FEV(1)< 30%, should include rapidly declining FEV(1) values and age < 15 yr.