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Objective To analyze the changes of postoperative pulmonary function in lung transplant recipients. Methods Clinical data of 81 recipients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation and combined heart-lung transplantation were collected, and postoperative status of the recipients was analyzed. Pulmonary ventilation and diffusion function indexes at 1 month, 3 months, every 3 months (3-18 months after lung transplantation) and every 6 months (18-36 months after lung transplantation) were analyzed in the recipients. The characteristics of the optimal pulmonary function in the recipients were assessed. Results Postoperative mechanical ventilation time was 4 (2, 9) d, and the length of postoperative ICU stay was 10 (7, 20) d. Among 81 recipients, 27 recipients developed primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after lung transplantation, with an incidence rate of 33%. Postoperative forced vital capacity (FVC) to predicted value ratio (FVC%pred), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to predicted value ratio (FEV1%pred), FEV1/FVC to predicted value ratio (FEV1/FVC%pred) and corrected diffusion lung capacity for CO to predicted value ratio (DLCOc%pred) were changed over time (all P<0.001). FVC%pred and FEV1%pred were gradually increased within postoperative 9 months, and DLCOc%pred was gradually elevated within postoperative 3 months (all P<0.05). Thirty-six recipients had FVC%pred≥80%, FEV1%pred≥80% in 41 cases, FEV1/FVC%pred≥92% in 76 cases, FVC%pred≤40% in 1 case and FEV1%pred≤40% in 1 case, respectively. Sixteen recipients had DLCOc%pred≥80%, corrected diffusion lung capacity for CO/alveolar volume to predicted value ratio (DLCOc/VA%pred) ≥80% in 63 cases, DLCOc%pred≤40% in 4 cases and DLCOc/VA%pred≤40% in 1 case, respectively. Postoperative FVC%pred, FEV1/FVC%pred and DLCOc%pred in recipients with a primary disease of obstructive pulmonary disease were significantly higher than those in their counterparts with restrictive pulmonary disease (all P<0.05). Postoperative DLCOc%pred in recipients with PGD was significantly lower than that in those without PGD (P<0.05). Conclusions Pulmonary ventilation function in lung transplant recipients reaches the optimal state and maintains a steady state at postoperative 9 months, and pulmonary diffusion function reaches a steady state at postoperative 3 months. Primary diseases and the incidence of PGD may affect postoperative pulmonary function.
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Due to long-term use of immunosuppressive agents, solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) belong to high-risk populations of multiple pathogenic infection, including SARS-CoV-2. In addition, SOTR are constantly complicated by chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, etc. After infected with SARS-CoV-2, the critically ill rate and fatality of SOTR are higher than those of the general population, which captivates widespread attention from experts in the field of organ transplantation. Omicrone variant is currently the significant pandemic strain worldwide, rapidly spreading to more than 100 countries worldwide and causing broad concern. According to the latest international guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and relevant expert consensus in China combined with current domestic situation of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and China's "diagnosis and treatment regimen for SARS-CoV-2 infection (Trial Version 10)", the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and prognosis, diagnosis, clinical classification and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection were briefly reviewed.
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Since an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, there have been more than 664 million confirmed cases and more than 6.7 million deaths worldwide.The Omicron variant discovered in November 2021 has become a dominant variant in China.Compared with the general population, Omicron infection mainly presents short-term upper respiratory symptoms followed by quick recovery; solid organ transplant recipients have the characteristics of a high incidence of severe disease and high mortality after infection, and the incidence of secondary infection and rebound positivity is significantly higher than that of the general population.This review focused upon preventive strategies of solid organ transplant recipients from the perspectives of the characteristics of organ transplant recipients, general preventive strategies, vaccination and long-acting neutralizing antibodies.
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This article summarizes the new progress in the diagnosis and treatment strategies on drug-resistant cytomegalovirus(CMV)infections in organ transplant recipients, including the prevention and treatment medications for CMV infection, the diagnosis and treatment strategies, and the immunological treatment regimen for drug-resistant CMV infection.The article is aimed to provide references for the prevention and treatment of drug-resistant CMV infection in organ transplant recipients.
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Objective To investigate the treatment on de novo donor specific antibody (dnDSA) mediated acute rejection after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 1 recipient with antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) early after lung transplantation was retrospectively analyzed. The process of diagnosis and treatment were assessed. Results The recipient underwent right lung transplantation due to systemic sclerosis-associated end-stage interstitial lung disease. Preoperatively, classⅠ panel reactive antibody (PRA) was positive (11%). No pretreatment was given before transplantation. Antithymocyte globulin induction therapy was delivered on the day of transplantation and postoperatively. The recipient was properly recovered early after transplantation. Chest tightness and shortness of breath occurred at postoperative 13 d, which were progressively worsened and rapidly progressed into type Ⅰ respiratory failure. Class Ⅰ PRA was increased to 58%, and dnDSA was observed at the loci of A24: 02. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was 2 110. According to the guidelines of International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, the recipient was diagnosed as possible AMR. After comprehensive treatment including plasmapheresis, protein A immunoadsorption, glucocorticoid pulse, rituximab and immunoglobulin intravenous drip, the PRA and DSA levels were gradually decreased, and the MFI of DSA was 0 at postoperative 20 d. Clinical condition of the recipient was gradually improved. The dyspnea was healed, shortness of breath was eased, respiratory failure was treated, and pulmonary effusion was gradually absorbed. At postoperative 45 d, the recipient was discharged after full recovery. During 1-year follow-up, the recipient was physically stable and obtained normal quality of life. Class Ⅰ PRA was 5%, and class Ⅱ PRA was negative. No DSA was noted. Conclusions Based on traditional drug therapy, supplement of protein A immunoadsorption therapy may effectively eliminate DSA from the circulating blood of the recipient and mitigate the damage of target organs. Ideal short- and long-term prognosis may be achieved. Traditional drug therapy combined with immunoadsorption may yield ideal efficacy in treating AMR after lung transplantation.
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Objective:To explore the incidence, clinical characteristics and prognosis of invasive pulmonary fungal infection(IPFI)in recipients of lung transplantation(LT)in southern China.Methods:From January 2003 to August 2019, retrospective analysis was performed for 300 recipients of lung transplantation at three hospitals in southern China. There were 254 males and 46 females with an average age of (54.98±14.2)years. Clinical data were collected from medical records, including symptoms and signs, imaging studies, bronchoscopy examination, pathogen separation and culture from deep sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), fungal-related laboratory tests and tissue pathology.Results:Among 300 cases, 93(31.0%)had at least one episode of IPFI. The most common pathogen was aspergillosis(60.2%), followed by candida(15 cases, 16.1%)and Pneumocystis jeroveci (13 cases, 14.0%). Kaplan Meier analysis indicated that all-cause mortality was significantly higher in IPFI group than that in non-IPFI(nIPFI)group with one-year mortality of 45.2% vs. 26.7% in IPFI and nIPFI groups respectively( P<0.05). Conclusions:IPFI is prevalent after LT in southern China. And aspergillosis is the most common pathogen and Candida comes the next. The median occurring time for aspergillosis is 6 months after LT. Candida infection occurs earlier at airway anastomosis. A higher incidence of invasive fungal disease(IFD)associated with a lower survival indicates that IPFI has a substantial mortality among recipients after LT. Prophylactic agents should be optimized based upon an epidemiologically likely pathogen.
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Objective:To explore the clinical manifestations and imaging features of nocardia infection (NI) after lung transplantation and boost the diagnosis and treatment of NI.Methods:From January 2018 to December 2019, basic profiles, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, imaging features and treatment outcomes of 5 lung transplant recipients with a diagnosis of NF were retrospectively analyzed and summarized with the relevant literatures. There were 4 males and 1 female with a median age of 66(26-69) years. 3 patients were single-lung transplantation, 2 patients were bilateral-lung transplantation. The median time from an initial diagnosis of NI to lung transplant surgery was 6(5-19) months. Common symptoms included fever, cough with yellow phlegm and shortness of breath. Laboratory findings showed lymphopenia, significantly high C-reactive protein levels, a slight elevation of procalcitonin, hypoproteinemia and anemia. The major manifestations of high-resolution computed tomography (CT) included multiple nodules, consolidation, cavitation and pleural effusion.Results:Five strains of N. farcinica were identified from bloodstream infection ( n=2) and pulmonary infection ( n=3). After with a combined therapy of two sensitive agents, all patients improved and were discharged from hospital. During follow-ups, one patient died and the remainders were cured. Conclusions:Nocardia infection occurs in lung transplant recipients mostly within 1 year post-operation. There are non-specific symptoms and imaging features of multiple nodules and consolidation. Combination therapy of sensitive agents is indicated for lung transplant recipients with NI.
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Objective To analyze the dynamic changes and the influencing factors of T lymphocyte subsets in recipients with stable graft status within 1 year after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 41 recipients with stable graft status after allogeneic lung transplantation were analyzed. The absolute value and ratio of T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood from recipients were measured by flow cytometry before operation, 2 weeks and each month (within 1 year) after operation, respectively. The effects of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), surgical method, incidence of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after operation, and primary disease upon the absolute values of T lymphocytes were evaluated. Results Within 1 year after lung transplantation, the absolute values of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+T lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were changed over time (all P < 0.001). Compared with preoperative values, there was no statistical significance in the absolute values of CD3+ and CD3+CD4+T lymphocytes at 12 months after operation (P=0.659, 0.109), whereas the absolute value of CD3+CD8+T lymphocytes was increased (P=0.02) and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio was decreased (P < 0.001). Age, gender, BMI, surgical method and incidence of PGD after operation exerted no significant effect on the dynamic changes of absolute values of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+T lymphocytes (all P > 0.05). Primary disease before lung transplantation exerted no effect on the changes of CD3+CD4+T lymphocytes, whereas the postoperative absolute value of CD3+CD8+T lymphocytes was higher in recipients with infectious lung diseases (P < 0.05). Conclusions The absolute values of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+T lymphocytes in recipients with stable graft status after lung transplantation are relatively low in the early stage after lung transplantation, then gradually restore, and stabilize at 6 months after operation. Dynamic changes are not associated with age, gender, BMI, surgical method and incidence of PGD after operation of recipients.
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Acute cellular rejection (ACR) is a common complication after lung transplantation, which is mainly caused by the immune response of T lymphocytes recognizing the major histocompatibility complex on the cellular surface of grafts. It is currently considered as the main pattern of acute rejection. ACR is not only a direct cause of death of recipients, but also a high-risk factor for chronic rejection after lung transplantation. Nevertheless, it is a challenging task to deliver the diagnosis and treatment of ACR following lung transplantation. In this article, new progresses on the risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of ACR in lung transplant recipients were summarized, aiming to improve the diagnostic and treatment efficiency of ACR and prolong the survival of recipients.
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Objective To analyze the risk factors and clinical prognosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) early after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 155 recipients undergoing lung transplantation or combined heart-lung transplantation were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into the AKI group (n=104) and non-AKI group (n=51) according to the 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes Clinical Practice Guideline. The incidence of AKI early after lung transplantation was summarized. The main indexes of recipients were collected. The risk factors of the occurrence of AKI early after lung transplantation were subjected to univariate and multivariate analysis. The clinical prognosis of lung transplant recipients was evaluated and the survival curve was delineated. Results The incidence of AKI early after lung transplantation was 67.1%(104/155), including 47 recipients with stage 1 AKI, 34 recipients with stage2 AKI and 23 recipients with stage 3 AKI, respectively. Sixteen recipients required continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) early after lung transplantation. Preoperative complication with diabetes mellitus, preoperative complication with pulmonary hypertension, intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 60 mmHg, intraoperative massive blood transfusion, and treatment with excessive therapeutic concentration of tacrolimus (Tac) within postoperative 1 week were the independent risk factors for the occurrence of AKI early after lung transplantation. Up to the end of follow-up, 66 recipients (42.6%) died, including 50 recipients in the AKI group and 16 recipients in the non-AKI group. The cumulative survival rate in the AKI group was significantly lower than that in the non-AKI group (40% vs. 66%, P < 0.05). With the increase of AKI severity, the cumulative survival rate of lung transplant recipients was decreased. Conclusions AKI develops early after lung transplantation with high incidence and poor clinical prognosis. Preoperative complication with diabetes mellitus and pulmonary hypertension, intraoperative MAP < 60 mmHg and massive blood transfusion, and treatment with excessive therapeutic concentration of Tac within postoperative 1 week are the independent risk factors for the occurrence of AKI early after lung transplantation.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the common early complications after lung transplantation, which not only increases the short-term and long-term fatality of lung transplant recipients, but also significantly increases the incidence of long-term chronic renal insufficiency after surgery. In recent years, early AKI after lung transplantation has attracted high attention along with the rapid development of lung transplantation in China. In this article, research progresses on diagnosis, incidence, risk factors, prevention and treatment of early AKI after lung transplantation around the globe were reviewed, aiming to better identify the risk factors and poor prognosis of early AKI after lung transplantation, and provide theoretical and practical guidance for early clinical interventions.
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In December 2019, a number of cases of pneumonia with unknown causes were successively reported in multiple hospitals in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The pathogen is a novel coronavirus, which can lead to novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) and even threaten the patients' lives. In the following, the COVID-19 epidemic is spreading rapidly in many provinces and cities. It is particularly important to summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients and to optimize the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment strategies. Therefore, we organized Chinese experts in the field of organ transplantation to draft this article according to the characteristics of lung infection of SOT recipients and the characteristics of current COVID-19 by referring to relevant guidelines and specifications at home and abroad, aiming to provide reference for transplant physicians in China. This management strategy will be revised at any time with the deepening understanding of the COVID-19 infection.
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Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and prognosis of lung transplantation in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods Clinical data of one patient with end-stage CF undergoing allogeneic bilateral lung transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods and treatment strategies of the CF recipient were summarized. Results The recipient had suffered from relevant symptoms since childhood including repeated cough and purulent sputum for 30 years, complicated with recurrent pulmonary infection combined with acute exacerbation, chronic sinusitis and extremely severe malnutrition. Prior to lung transplantation, the patient had to depend upon the invasive ventilator due to respiratory muscle weakness, and admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) for a long time. Imaging examination revealed multiple cystic columnar bronchiectasis accompanied with infection in bilateral lungs. The diagnosis of CF was further confirmed by sweat test and gene detection. The recipient underwent bilateral lung transplantation on August 17, 2017 and received rehabilitation treatment. The lung function was gradually restored to normal. The recipient had obtained the same quality of life to the healthy counterparts since the date of manuscript submission (over 2 years). Conclusions Lung transplantation is an efficacious treatment for end-stage CF, which can not only save patients' lives, but also significantly improve the quality of life of patients.
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Objective:To explore the clinical value of lobar lung transplantation for end-stage lung disease patients in organ donation era.Methods:Clinical data were analyzed retrospectively for 14 cases with lobar lung transplantations between January 2016 and December 2019, including clinical outcomes and postoperative complications.Results:Eleven cases(78.6 %)had a positive etiology examination in bronchial secretion or tissue culture. There were unilateral lobar lung transplantation (n=2), bilateral lobar lung transplantation(n=2)and unilateral lobar lung transplantation and contralateral lung transplantation(n=10). Intra-operative ECMO(n=11)postoperative ECMO(n=5)were required. All survived during a 30-day perioperative period. The median time of postoperative ECMO was 1(1~11)day, the median time of extubation 4.5(0~182)day and the median time of stay in ICU 11(2~186)day. Re-operation was required for 1 case due to active bleeding in thoracic cavity. There were 10 survivors and 4 deaths. The causes of death were bronchus fistula(n=2), pulmonary infection(n=1)and renal failure(n=1)respectively.Conclusions:Lobar lung transplantation is efficacious for selected patients with end-stage lung disease.
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Objective:To explore the diagnosis and treatment strategies of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).Methods:A 37-year-old male recipient who had repeated cough and sputum from childhood, with shortness of breath after activity and progressive development, the number of hospitalizations per year was ≥6 times, the MRC score was 2~3 diagnosed with primary ciliary dyskinesia through medical examination and multidisciplinary consultation, and received allogeneic double lung transplantation after medical treatment failure. Search related domestic and foreign literatures to explore and analyze the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and imaging features, diagnosis and treatment of PCD.Results:PCD is an autosomal hereditary disease. Due to abnormal skeletal structure and/or functional development, clinical manifestations are mostly chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, otitis media and infertility. Chest imaging showed situs inversus totalis, right heart and diffuse cystic bronchiectasis infection with bronchial wall thickening, diagnosis depends on clinical manifestations, saccharin test, nasal nitric oxide test, high-speed video microscopy analysis, transmission electron microscopy, genetic testing and immunofluorescence.Conclusions:Lung transplantation is the only effective treatment for end-stage PCD. It not only saves patients' lives, but also significantly improves their quality of life.
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Objective:To explore the significance of US lung allocation score (LAS) in Chinese lung transplant recipients.Methods:The clinical data were analyzed for 173 lung recipients from May 2005 to March 2018. The LAS of each patient was calculated by an online LAS calculator of Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN).Results:The mean age was (56.49±12.64) years and the mean LAS (56.63±18.39)(32.79-90.70). The underlying diseases were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, n=62), interstitial lung disease (n=85), bronchiectasis (n=11), pulmonary arterial hypertension (n=8) and others (n=7). And the value of LAS was (47.85±15.22) vs. (61.89±18.63) vs. (56.58±18.91) vs. (55.23±10.74) vs. (72.45±16.41). LAS of COPD patients was significantly lower than that of interstitial lung disease ( P<0.001). Mean LAS was the highest in endotracheal intubation or ECMO group (79.15±7.95), then non-invasive ventilation group (48.42±11.58) and lowest in oxygen inhalation group (44.11±8.81)( P<0.001). Recipients were divided into three groups of LAS <50 for low-risk, 50-75 for moderate-risk and >75 for high-risk. Survivals at 90 days and 1 year were 90.5% vs. 81.8% vs. 71.1% and 85.4% vs. 74.4% vs. 57.8% ( P=0.002). Conclusions:LAS can not only reflect the urgency of recipients waiting for lung transplantation but also predict postoperative period. LAS score should be employed for selecting suitable lung transplant recipients in China and the optimal LAS lies between 30 and 75.
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Objective To explore the treatment strategies of pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE). Methods A 22-year-old male patient was complicated with PPFE after receiving chemotherapy in combination with stem cell transplantation for lymphoma. He underwent thoracoscopic left lung tongue wedge resection, bilateral pleurodesis followed by allogeneic left lung transplantation. Literature review was performed to analyze the etiology, pathogenesis, imaging features, pathological features and treatment of PPFE. Results The PPFE patient required the non-invasive ventilator for 24 h before lung transplantation. After lung transplantation, the shortness of breath and respiratory failure were cured and the quality of life was significantly improved. No eligible studies was found in the domestic database, and 26 literatures published in English were found in the international databases. Among them, 9 literatures (case reports) were finally included after screening. PPFE could be divided into the primary and secondary categories according to the etiology. The clinical manifestations of PPFE mainly included dry cough, dyspnea on exertion, chest pain, repeated pneumothorax and body weight loss. Chest CT scan demonstrated irregular thickening of the pleura in bilateral upper lungs. Pathological manifestations consisted of evident thickening of the visceral pleura, fibroelastosis and arrangement disorder in the pleura and the underlying pulmonary interstitium. PPFE could progress rapidly. Adrenocortical hormone and other immunosuppressive agents yielded low clinical efficacy and poor clinical prognosis. Lung transplantation was a necessary treatment for PPFE. Conclusions PPFE cannot be effectively treated by conservative therapy. It is recommended to deliver lung transplantation as early as possible.
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Objective To report the results of lung transplantation using graft lungs from donation after citizens death.Methods The clinical data of lung transplantation between January 2016 and June 2016 were analyzed retrospectively.Results Totally 20 patients with end stage lung diseases underwent lung transplantation.Of the 20 patients,11 cases (55％) underwent single lung transplantation and 9 cases (45 ％) underwent bilateral lung transplantation.The top two diseases for lung transplantation were pulmonary fibrosis in 11 cases (55％) and emphysema in 6 cases (30％).Four cases (20％) were given intraoperative ECMO support.Median duration of postoperative intubation was 2 days:1 day for single lung transplantation and 4 days for bilateral lung transplantation,respectively.Acute rejections were diagnosed in 9 patients (45％) who were successfully treated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone or methylprednisolone combined with anti-human thymocyte globulin.Postoperative pneumonia episodes occurred in 16 cases (80％)and 4 of them were associated fungal pneumonia.Preoperative sputum culture showed positive bacteria in 16 donors (80％) and 17 kinds of strains were identified.Postoperative sputum culture showed positive bacteria in 19 recipients and 4 of them had the same strains as compared with the corresponding donors.One recipient died of primary graft dysfunction in early term (＜ 1 month)postoperatively,two recipients abandoned treatments and died in 1 week after the discharge,and the remaining 17 cases successfully recovered.Median hospital duration was 55 days:35 days for single lung transplantation and 67 days for bilateral lung transplantation,respectively.Conclusion LLung transplantation is an effective treatment for end-stage lung diseases.Carefully selecting donors,well protecting graft lung and proper peri-operative treatment are the key steps leading to successful lung transplantation using grafts from organ procurement organization.
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Objective To report the results of lung transplantation using graft lungs from donation after citizens death.Methods The clinical data of lung transplantation between January 2016 and June 2016 were analyzed retrospectively.Results Totally 20 patients with end stage lung diseases underwent lung transplantation.Of the 20 patients,11 cases (55％) underwent single lung transplantation and 9 cases (45 ％) underwent bilateral lung transplantation.The top two diseases for lung transplantation were pulmonary fibrosis in 11 cases (55％) and emphysema in 6 cases (30％).Four cases (20％) were given intraoperative ECMO support.Median duration of postoperative intubation was 2 days:1 day for single lung transplantation and 4 days for bilateral lung transplantation,respectively.Acute rejections were diagnosed in 9 patients (45％) who were successfully treated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone or methylprednisolone combined with anti-human thymocyte globulin.Postoperative pneumonia episodes occurred in 16 cases (80％)and 4 of them were associated fungal pneumonia.Preoperative sputum culture showed positive bacteria in 16 donors (80％) and 17 kinds of strains were identified.Postoperative sputum culture showed positive bacteria in 19 recipients and 4 of them had the same strains as compared with the corresponding donors.One recipient died of primary graft dysfunction in early term (＜ 1 month)postoperatively,two recipients abandoned treatments and died in 1 week after the discharge,and the remaining 17 cases successfully recovered.Median hospital duration was 55 days:35 days for single lung transplantation and 67 days for bilateral lung transplantation,respectively.Conclusion LLung transplantation is an effective treatment for end-stage lung diseases.Carefully selecting donors,well protecting graft lung and proper peri-operative treatment are the key steps leading to successful lung transplantation using grafts from organ procurement organization.
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Objective Backgrounds and Objectives Skeletal muscle dysfunction is an important systemic manifestation of several diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic heart failure.Quadriceps function assessment was used in majority of the studies for assessment of peripheral skeletal muscle function as it is readily accessible and is a primary locomotor muscle.Appropriate evaluation of the prevalence and severity of quadriceps dysfunction relies on the proper control data from the age-matched normal subject.So,the present study was aimed to measure the quadriceps function in healthy elderly,to investigate the multiple factors related to quadriceps functions,and to establish the normal ranges for quadriceps functional performance in healthy elderly.Methods Sixty healthy volunteers were recruited for the study.Quadriceps function was assessed by measurement of the following 3 items:maximum of twitch tension (TwQmax) induced by magnetic stimulation of femoral nerve,maximal volitional contraction (QMVC),and endurance time.The intensity and frequency of quadriceps exercises were quantified with physical activity (PA) scores by using a special PA questionnaire.Anthropometric measurements such as height,weight and mid-thigh muscle mass (MTMC) were measured in all of the subjects.Multiple regression models were developed by stepwise method to determine the independent factors respectively contributing to the quadriceps functional performance.Results Quadriceps functional tests results showed that the data of the three items fit normal distributions in both female and male subjects,and the gendcr-related difference was observed in quadriceps strength,with TwQmax and QMVC being significantly decreased in female than in male subjects.The mean values and normal ranges for TwQmax,QMVC,and endurance time were [13.86(10.53-17.65)] kg,[42.06(34.45-49.67)] kg,and [81.08(58.52-103.66)] second,respectively,in male subjects; and they were [7.41(6.02-9.52)] kg,and [29.40(24.66-33.82)] kg,and [83.44 (60.81-106.67)] second,respectively,in female subjects.Stepwise regression correlation analysis showed that QMVC was related with sex,PA scores and weight (R2=0.61,P＜0.01) ; endurance time was predicted by PA scores,MTMC,body weight and sex (R2 =0.58,P ＜0.01) ; and TwQmax was predicted by sex,height and PA scores (R2 =0.67,P＜0.01).Conclusions Our study results demonstrate that quadriceps functional performance fits normal distributions in healthy elderly,and that quadriceps function is related to multiple factors such as subjects' sex,muscles exercises,weight,height,muscle mass,and etc,with muscles exercises being the most significant one,except of gender.We conclude that muscles exercises take a very important role in muscles functional performance in healthy elderly.