Association of cardiac disease with the risk of post-lung transplantation mortality in Chinese recipients aged over 65 years / 医学前沿

The current organ allocation rules prioritize elderly and urgent patients on the lung transplantation (LT) waiting list. A steady increase in the threshold at which age is taken into consideration for LT has been observed. This retrospective cohort study recruited 166 lung transplant recipients aged ≽ 65 years between January 2016 and October 2020 in the largest LT center in China. In the cohort, subgroups of patients aged 65-70 years (111 recipients, group 65-70) and ≽ 70 years (55 recipients, group ≽ 70) were included. Group D restrictive lung disease was the main indication of a lung transplant in recipients over 65 years. A significantly higher percentage of coronary artery stenosis was observed in the group ≽ 70 (30.9% vs. 14.4% in group 65-70, P = 0.014). ECMO bridging to LT was performed in 5.4% (group 65-70) and 7.3% (group ≽ 70) of patients. Kaplan-Meier estimates showed that recipients with cardiac abnormalities had a significantly increased risk of mortality. After adjusting for potential confounders, cardiac abnormality was shown to be independently associated with the increased risk of post-LT mortality (HR 6.37, P = 0.0060). Our result showed that LT can be performed in candidates with an advanced age and can provide life-extending benefits.

Lung transplantation for pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis:a report of 9 cases / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To investigate the selection of recipients,operative technique, and perioperative management of lung transplantation.Methods From June 2013 to September 2016, 9 patients with pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis un-derwent lung transplantation at Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital.There were 9 females aged from 23 to 52 years.Chest en-hancement of CT in 9 patients prior to transplantation suggests multiple different sized thin-walled cystic shadows in whole lung. Nine patients received bilateral sequence lung transplantation ( BSLT) .The pathological findings after the operation indicated that cells of the abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle diffused around the bronchi , vessels and lymphatics , and widened the alveolar septum, which was consistent with the pathological changes in the patients with PLAM .We analyzed the differences of oxygenation index, forcedexpiratory volume at 1 sec(FEV1), and DLCO％ pred.Using paired t test to compare these indica-tors, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results The oxygenation index was increased from(210 ±55) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to(400 ±80)mmHg after treatment, the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The FEV1 was increased from(1.0 ±0.2)L to(2.8 ±0.4)L, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The DLCO％pred was increased from(27.5 ±2.5)％ to(75.0 ±10.0)％, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Fi-nally, 8 patients were discharged from the hospital, and the pulmonary function was good.1 patients died of infection and acute rejection on the 13 day after operation.Conclusion Lung transplantation is effective in the treatment of chronic thromboem-bolic pulmonary hypertension , and long-term survival requires further investigations .Lung transplantation is the only effective means for the treatment of end-stage pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis .Bilateral sequence lung transplantation is the first choice.

Influence of pulmonary hypertension on patients with advanced chronic obstrnctive pulmonary disease prior to lung transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To study the influence of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) on survival of patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on the waiting list of lung transplantation.Methods The characteristics of 143 patients with COPD receiving lung transplantation evaluation from January 2014 to August 2016 were queried.Mild PAH was defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) ≥25 mmHg and severe ≥35 mrnHg by right heart catheterization measurements.The incidence of PAH was studied,and the patients were divided to different groups to determine the effect of PAH on survival prior to transplantation on the basis of different definitions of PAH.Kaplan Meier method was used to draw survival curves,and a log-rank test was used to analyze the effect of PAH on survival of COPD patients on the waiting list of pulmonary transplantation.Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were performed to test the relationship between each main covariate and the hazard of mortality.The waiting time was tracked from wait list entry date until death or censoring,and the censoring issues were as follows:receiving lung transplantation,removing from the waiting list without transplant,and still wating for donor until the last follow-up day (2016-08-30).Results Of 143 COPD patients,there were 119 males and 24 males,with mean age of 61.73 years old;46 patients received lung transplantation,and the remaining 97 not;50 had mPAP ≥25 mmHg and 21 had mPAP ≥35 mmHg.A total of 23 cases (22.88％) died on the waiting list.Thirty-eight patients were removed from the list prior to transplantation,and 36 were still on the waiting list.Kaplan-Meier survival function showed suvival of patients with mild PAH or severe PAH was significantly shorter than that of patients without PAH (P＜0.001).Using Cox proportional hazards models,univariate analysis revealed significant differences in survival for mild PAH (HR =2.147,95％CI 1.429-3.157,P＜ 0.001) and severe PAH (HR =3.458,95 ％ CI 2.518-4.859,P＜0.001).Multivariate Cox models identified significant risk for death for mild PAH (HR=2.518,95％CI 1.728-3.364,P＜0.001) and severePAH HR=4.027,95％ CI 3.257-4.703,P＜0.001).Conclusion The incidence of PAH among COPD patients waiting for lung transplantation was high.PAH is associated with significantly increased risk of death among COPD patients waiting for lung transplantation.

Clinical analysis of lung transplantation from donors combined with pulmonary contusion / 器官移植

Objective To explore the efficacy and prognosis of lung transplantation from donors combined with pulmonary contusion on the treatment of patients with end-stage lung disease. Methods Clinical data of 73 cases of donors and recipients were collected. The donors and recipients were divided into contusion group (23 cases of donors and recipients, with a maximum diameter of contusion in 5-8 cm) and standard group (50 cases of donors and recipients) depending on combined pulmonary contusion. Major clinical indicators [postoperative oxygenation index, duration of mechanical ventilation and chest tube drainage and incidence of primary graft dysfunction (PGD)] and prognosis of the recipients in both groups were compared. Results The recipients in both groups presented no significant difference in postoperative oxygenation index, duration of mechanical ventilation and chest tube drainage and incidence of PGD (all P>0.05). The postoperative 1-year survival of the recipients in standard group and contusion group was 74％ and 83％, which presented no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusions The efficacy and prognosis of lung transplantation from donors combined with pulmonary contusion (with a maximum diameter of 5-8 cm) are comparable to those of lung transplantation from standard donors.

Lung transplantation for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a report of 6 cases / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To investigate the selection of recipients,operative technique,and perioperative management of lung transplantation for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.Methods This article reviews the clinical data of 6 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension receiving lung transplantation from January 2012 to June 2016.From January 2012 to June 2016,6 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension underwent lung transplantation at Department of Thoracic Surgery,Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital,Nanjing Medical University.There were 4 male and 2 female patients aged from 34 to 59 years.Chest enhancement of CT or CTPA in 6 patients prior to transplantation suggests a different degree of pulmonary embolism.The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was＞30 mmHg,NYHA 11Ⅰ or Ⅳ.Four patients received bilateral sequence lung transplantation (BSLT) under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.Two patients received single lung transplantation (SLT).We analyzed the differences of oxygenation index,pulmonary systolic pressure,pulmonary artery diastolic pressure,mean pulmonary arterial pressure,and central venous pressure before and after treatment.Using paired t test to compare these indicators,P＜0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results The oxygenation index increased from (195 ± 85) to (440 ± 140) mmHg after treatment,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).the The systolic pressure of pulmonary artery was decreased from (108 ± 28) mmHg to (56 ± 16) mmHg,and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).the The diastolic pressure of pulmonary artery was decreased from (72 ± 18) mmHg to (25 ± 10) mmHg,and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).the The mean pulmonary artery pressure was decreased from (84 ± 27) mmHg to (36 ± 10) mmHg,and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).the The central venous pressure was decreased from (17.5 ± 4.5) mmHg to (8.5 ± 1.5) mmHg,and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).Finally,5 patients were discharged from the hospital,and the pulmonary valve? functioned? well.1 patients died of shock and systemic failure 3 days after operation.Conclusion Lung transplantation is effective in the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension,and long-term survival requires further investigations.

Lung transplantation for end-stage pulmonary diseases using donation after death of citizens: report of 242 cases / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To summarize the lung transplant program using donation after death of citizens (DCD).Methods Retrospective characteristics of 242 patients with end-stage lung diseases receiving lung transplantation in our hospital were reviewed between January 2015 and December 2016.The data about evaluation and collection of all donors were analyzed.The survival rate,causes of deaths,and postoperative complications were reviewed.Kaplan Meier survival curves and a logrank test of differences in survival functions were used to assess the effect of lung transplant type and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on survival post transplant.Results A total of 231 patients donated their lungs,including China type three (135 cases),China type two (19 cases),and China type one (77 cases).242 lung transplantations were successfully performed.The 3-month,6-month and 1-year survival rate after lung transplantation was 80.6％,80.6％,and 77.8％,respectively.There were 47 deaths during perioperative period,including 22 cases of primary graft dysfunction,14 cases of sepsis,6 cases of multiple organ failure,3 cases of heart failure,and 2 cases of stomal leak.One hundred and thirty-two patients received bilateral lung transplantation,with 3-month,6-month,and 1-year survival rate being 78.6％,78.6％,and 75.6％ respectively.110 underwent single lung transplantation with 3-month,6-month,and 1-year survival rate being 82.7 ％,82.7 ％,and 80.1％,respectively.No significant difference in survival rate was observed between single and bilateral lung transplantation (P＞0.05).One hundred and twenty-nine cases of lung transplants were conducted under ECMO support,with the 3-month,6-month and 1-year survival rate being 72.5％,72.5％,and 70.5％ respectively,which was significantly higher in those without ECMO with the 3-month,6-month and 1-year survival rate being 90.2％,90.2％ and 86.6％ respectively (n =113) (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion DCD may facilitate the development of lung transplantation in China with long-term survival.

Clinical analysis of risk factors for early primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To investigate the institution of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) for primary graft dysfunction( PGD) after lung transplantation and analysis its clinical outcome. Methods From September 2002 to December 2013, 286 patients with end-stage lung disease underwent lung transplantation(LTx) in Wuxi People's Hospital. Among them, there were 22 patients occured grade 3 PGD in early stage after LTx. In which there were 2 cases with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 12 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, 4 case with primary pulmonary hypertension, 1 case with lung tuber-culosis, 1 case with silicosis, 2 cases with bronchiectasis. There were 7 patients with single LTx(3 cases with ECMO support) and 15 patients with bilateral LTx(2 cases with CPB support and 6 cases with ECMO support). According to the severity levels of PGD, different treatment measures were used, such as reinforce ventilatory support, negative fluid balance, extending the treatment time of the ventilator, the use of pulmonary vasodilators, such as prostaglandin E1 and ECMO. Results Six patients were treated by adjusting low volume, high frequency and high positive end expiratory pressure ventilation( PEEP) mode, and 2 cases reversed, 4 cases died of respiratory failure. 16 cases accepted ECMO support, among them 10 cases apply venous-ve-nous mode, 6 cases venous-artery mode, the average flow time was 5. 5 days. 10 cases dismantled from ECMO successly and 6 cases died of multiple organ failure, infection and cardiac arrest. 30-day, 1-year and 5-year survival of PGD recipients post-op-eratively were 55％, 40％, 25％, respectively. Conclusion The high incidence of PGD causes high mortality peri-operative-ly after LTx. Preventing PGD can improve the survival rate of the lung transplant patients. Once PGD happens, appropriate treatment should be given as soon as possible. ECMO can effectively promote the transplanted lung function recovery, reduce the perioperative mortality. If the indications of ECMO use was reached, the institution of ECMO should as soon as possible.

Clinical analysis of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation institution for primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To investigate the institution of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after lung transplantation (LT) and analyze its clinical outcome.Method A retrospective analysis was performed on 22 patients with grade 3 PGD in early stage after LT from September 2002 to December 2013.There were 7 patients with single LT and 15 patients with bilateral LTx.Ventilatory support was used at early stage for 6 cases,and at later stage,ECMO assistant circulation was used for 16 cases.Result Of 6 patients treated by adjusting low volume,high frequency and high positive end expiratory pressure ventilation (PEEP) mode,2 cases reversed,and 4 cases died of respiratory failure.In 16 cases accepting ECMO support,10 cases were given venous-venous mode and 6 cases venous-artery mode.The average flow time was 5.5 days.ECMO was successfully withdrawn in 10 cases and 6 cases died of multiple organ failure,infection and cardiac arrest.Conclusion The high incidence of PGD causes high mortality peri-operatively after LT.Preventing ECMO can improve the survival rate of the lung transplant patients.Once PGD happens,appropriate treatment should be given as soon as possible.ECMO can effectively promote the transplanted lung function recovery,and reduce the perioperative mortality.If the indications of ECMO use was reached,the institution of ECMO should be used as soon as possible.

Analysis of clinical outcomes of bilateral lung transplantation with simultaneous lung volume reduction surgery on end-stage lung disease / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of bilateral lung transplantation with simultaneous lung volume reduction surgery in the treatment on end-stage lung disease and analysis its prognosis.Methods Clinical data of 79 patients with end-stage 1ung diseases receiving BLTx in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed between Sept.2002 to Dec.2012.Bilateral lung transplantations were performed on 48 male and 31 female patients, with a mean age of(57.0 ± 6.3) years (ranging from 15 to 75 years).Amongst them 56 patients received LTx under circulation support,including 1 cases of cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) support and 55 cases of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) support.34 patients accepted lung volume reduction surgery, other 45 patients receive standard BLTx.The Patients were divided into lung volume reduction group(group Ⅰ)and control group(group Ⅱ).Differences in various clinical parameters such as Pulmonary function, postoperative complications, and prognosis between the two groups were compared.Results The 1、2、3 and 5-year survival rate after LTx was 80.5％ 、71.4％ 、58.2％ and 43.5％.The mean survival time post-transplant in size reduction group and control group were(38.54 ±4.72) months and(42.19 ±6.64) months repectively.The main causes of mortality included primary graft dysfunction(PGD) ,acute rejection(AR) , multiple organ failure(MOF) , bronchiolitis obliterans(BOS) and sepsis.No tendency of increase in mechanical ventilation, chest tube drainage time, volume of chest drainage were observed.Compared clinical parameters between the two groups, none had significant differences(P ＞0.05).Lung function test was performed on 63 cases after transplantation.There was no significant difference in FEV1 improvement after lung transplantation between the two groups[(74.23 ±4.86)％, (72.0 ±3.64)％, P ＞0.05].Conclusion This study demonstrates that BLTx with simultaneous lung volume reduction surgery is safe and effective, which have the same outcome and prognosis compare with standardbilateral lung transplantation.

Ultra-long distance transport of donor lung for lung transplantation by civil aviation:a report of 6 cases / 器官移植

Objective To explore the feasibility of ultra-long distance transport of lung from donation after cardiac death (DCD)or donation after brain death (DBD)by civil aviation for lung transplantation.Methods Clinical data of 6 cases with lung transplantation through ultra-long distance transport of lung from donors by civil aviation in Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from February to March in 201 5 were analyzed retrospectively.Results There were 6 donors who were DBD or DCD.It spent 5.0 ~8.5 h from lung removal,transport to lung transplantation in the operation room,including 2.0 ~3.0 h (mileage > 1 500 km)for flight.Five cases received sequential double lung transplantation.One case received right single lung transplantation.The operation was conducted successfully,with the lung's cold ischemia time of 7-1 2 h.After operation,all patients received ventilator assisted breathing,and suspended after 2-4 d.As of the date of submission,6 cases recovered well.Conclusions Long distance transport is feasible in the case of conducting sequential double lung transplantation with donor lung from DCD or DBD,if there are direct flights between the two cities of the donor and recipient,and the flight time is within 3 h.

Lung-protective effect of perioperative treatment with Ambroxol in the elderly lung cancer patients / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the influence of perioperative administration of Ambroxol on pulmonary function, postoperative complications, postoperative hospital-stay and cost in elderly lung cancer patients after thoracic lobectomy surgery.Methods One hundred and forty consecutive elderly patients who underwent thoracic lobectomy surgery for lung cancer were randomly assigned into 2 groups: control group (n=70) and Ambroxol group (n=70).In control group, subjects were given the standardized treatment.In the Ambroxol group, patients were given the standardized treatment plus Ambroxol (90 mg/q, 8 h/d) from the day of operation to postoperative 5 days.The preoperative general information, intraoperative conditions, pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases, incidence of perioperative morbidity, duration of ICU stay, length and costs of postoperative hospital-stay were collected and compared between the 2 groups.Results The 2 groups were well matched for demographics and operative variables.The forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1),the forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) and arterial oxygen pressure were reduced in the 2 groups after operation as compared with before treatment, while the decreases of the above indexes were more significant in the control group than in the Ambroxol group (P＜0.05).Compared with the control group, the postoperative pulmonary complications declined, oxygenation index improved, the postoperative ICU occupancy rate and the length and costs of postoperative hospital-stay were decreased in the ambroxol group (all P＜ 0.05).Conclusions Perioperative administration of Ambroxol could reduce the incidence of pulmonary complications, improve the lung function, decrease the total hospitalization cost, shorten the length of hospital-stay, promote a rapid recovery after surgery, which is worthy of clinical application.

Clinical analysis of bilateral lobar lung transplantation on end-stage lung disease in patients with size mismatching thoracic cavity / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of bilateral lobar lung transplantations (LLTx) in thoracic cavity size mismatching patients with end-stage lung diseases and analyze its prognosis.Method Clinical data of 34 patients receiving LLTx in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed between Sept.2002 to Dec.2012.LLTx were performed on 14 male and 20 female patients,with a mean age of 37.0 ± 6.3 years (ranging from 15 to 56 years).Indications for LLTx were idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n =24),idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (n =2),Eisenmenger syndrome (n =3),bronchiectasis (n =2) and lymphangiomyomatosis (n =3).Amongst them 26 patients received LLTx under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and 3 on ECMO as a bridge to transplantation.Twenty-four middle/lower right lobes with left lower LLT,4 bilateral lower LLT,2 bilateral superior LLT and 4 split left lung LLT were performed.Ischemic time was 4.4± 1.2 h for the first lobe and 6.3 ± 1.4 h for the second.Result The mortality in postoperative prophase (30 days) was 23.5％.The 1-,2-,3-and 5-year survival rate after LLTx was 70.9％,60.8％,50.6％ and 36.2％ respectively.The main causes of mortality included primary graft dysfunction,acute rejection,multiple organ failure,bronchiolitis obliterans and sepsis.Lung function test was performed on 23 cases after transplantation and forced expiratory volume in first second,maximal voluntary ventilation accounting for the predicted value was (74.23 ± 4.86)％ and (72.0 ± 3.64)％,respectively.Conclusion This study demonstrates that for thoracic cavity size mismatching patients,LLTx are safe and effective in the treatment of end-stage lung diseases,which can ameliorate the lung function and prognosis.

Risk factors related to early survival after lung transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To estimate the effects of risk factors on early survuval (90 days) after lung transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).Method We reviewed 49 cases of lung tansplant male patients which suffered from IPF.Two groups were set up according to the early survival.The early outcomes (90 days) were compared between two groups by multiple logistic regression analysis.Result The early survival rate was 81.6％.Multivariate analysis confirmed that mean pulmonary artery pressure and bilateral lung transplantation (BLTx) were risk factors after adjustment for potential confounders.Recipients' age,lung volume reduction on donors,and use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were not risk factors for early mortality.Conclusion The increased pulmonary artery pressure and BLTx are risk factors for death after lung transplantation in IPF.Preoperative evaluation of mean pulmonary artery pressure and choosing suitable operative method could improve the surgical outcomes of lung transplantation.

Effects of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on coagulation during lung transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To observe the effects of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on coagulation during lung trangplantation.Method Forty cases of end stage lung diseases received bilateral sequential single lung transplantation during July 2007 and Mar.2012.The patients were divided into two groups in terms of ECMO.ECMO was applied before lung transplantation if needed.The amount of bleeding during surgery was recorded.The venous blood samples were collected during and after operation for the measurements of the following parameters:activated whole blood clot time (ACT),prothrombin time (PT),activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT),thrombin time (TT) and plasma fibrinogen (Fg).Result The coagulation and the amount of bleeding showed no significant difference between the two groups.Wound infection occurred in 2 patients where the ECMO tube was inserted and femoral arterial thrombosis in one patient.All of the three patients were cured and discharged.Conclusion ECMO didn't cause excessive bleeding or coagulation dysfunction during lung transplantation,yet it maybe increase the occurrence of local thrombosis.

Lung transplantation from donor of cardiac death and donation after brain death in one centre Ⅲ: 4 cases report / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To summarize the clinical experience ot harvesting and using the lungs from donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after cardiac death (DCD,Maastricht category Ⅳ) in China.Methods Eleven potential DBDs and DCDs were evaluated by our transplant group preoperatively,including 6 cases of DCDs and 5 cases of DBDs,and all of them received the tests of sputum culture bedside bronchoscopy,chest X rays,and blood gas analysis.After clear evaluation,1 case of DCD and 2 cases of DBD were discharged from the group for bilateral inflammatory infiltration and poor oxygenation index,and one case of DCD was precluded due to long warm ischemic time (＞60min).The donor lungs from remaining 7 cases were harvested successfully after the declaration of brain death or cardiac death.The preoperative lymphocytotoxic cross match test was negative,ABO blood types were compatible,and the donors were all suitable for the transplant procedure.Results Seven lung transplants were performed successfully under ECMO support,including 5 cases of bilateral lung transplantation and 2 cases of single lung transplantation.One patient was complicated with severe infection and died of sepsis on postoperative day (POD) 39,and one was succumbed to multiple organ failure.Two patients suffered of acute rejection on POD 30 and POD 19,respectively,and obtained improvements by bolus steroid therapy.The remaining 3 patients all recovered uneventfully.During a follow up period,all the patients lived an active life style with high quality of life.The mean survival time was 23.3 months (3-51 months).Conclusion The DCD and DBD may be one of the available donor resources for lung transplantation after efficient management of the potential donors and detailed preoperative evaluation in China.

Raffinose-low potassium dextran solution in clinical lung transplantation: a retrospective study / 中华器官移植杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the security and effectiveness of raffinose-low potassium dextran solution (RLPDs) for donor lung preservation.MethodsFrom Sep.2002 to Dec.2011,131patients underwent lung transplantation in our institution,including 81cases of single lung transplantation and 50 cases of bilateral lung transplantation.There were 95 males and 36 females.A total of 129 donors were used for organ harvest.Two donors denoted their lungs to four patients receiving single lung transplantation. All the donors were flushed, perfused antegradely and retrogradely,and preserved with hypothermal RLPDs.The repeated reperfusion was necessary when the cold ischemic time was fairly long and the function of donor was poor.During operation,the blood gas analysis,mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and breathing mechanics were monitored.Postoperatively,all the recipients received re-examination of cardiac ultrasonography,pulmonary function,blood gas analysis and chest imaging.ResultsAll lung transplantations were performed successfully,with a mean cold ischemic time of (193±21) min (range,65-630 min).There was a significant relationship between postoperative pneumonedema and donor lung cold ischernic time (P＜0.05),which was also observed between postoperative pneumonedema and primary graft dysfunction (P＜0.01). The blood gas analysis and oxygenation index were significantly improved postoperatively,with the mPAP and parameters of breathing mechanics being descended to a normal level.There were 24 early deaths in the first month post-transplant,with a mortality of 18.3％ (24/131),including 11cases of sepsis,7 cases of primary graft dysfunction,3 cases of heart failure,1case of bronchial stomal leak,1case of acute rejection,and 1case of pulmonary infarction.The pulmonary function was improved significantly 3 months postoperatively.Conclusion RLPDs is efficient in the preservation of donor lung,with the ability to alleviate ischemic reperfusion injury and improve pulmonary function.

Prevention of bronchopulmonary complications by ambroxol after thoracotomy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effects of ambroxol on prevention of bronchopulmonary complications after thoracotomy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).MethodsTotal 161 elderly patients aged ≥70 years with COPD undergoing thoracotomy were randomly allocated to two groups:ambroxol group (300 mg/d,6 d) and placebo group as control.Pulmonary complications were evaluated by clinical symptoms,radiographic changes,and blood gas analysis. Results The incidence rates of atelectasis were 8.6％ in ambroxol group and 28.8％ in placebo group,respectively.The PaO2 values after surgery in ambroxol group decreased more than in placebo group (P＜0.05) compared with the preoperative values.Side effects were not found in all patients.Conclusions Ambroxol should be considered as an alternative pharmacologic approach for the prevention of post-thoracotomy pulmonary complications in the elderly patients with COPD.

Lung transplantation from donor of cardiac death in China (report of 3 cases) / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To summarize the clinical experience of harvesting and using the lungs of cardiac death donor.Methods The lungs from donation after cardiac death (DCD) were harvested and used for lung transplantation.The donors suffered from severe craniocerebral trauma or brain neoplasms and were identified after cardiac death post declaration of brain death.Written consent about DCD was obtained from the consanguinities.The donor lungs were harvested after clinical evaluation of donors with considerable function and after the determination of DCD.The preoperative lymphocytotoxic cross match test was negative,ABO blood type was compatible,and the donors were all suitable for the transplant procedure.Results Two bilateral lung transplantations and one single lung transplantation were performed,with the warm ischemic time being 23,27,and 32 min,respectively.The operative course was uneventful The ICU stay was 31,18,and 26 days respectively,with dramatic improvement of pulmonary function postoperatively.Acute rejection occurred in two cases,which was treated with bolus of corticoids.There were no infection in our 3 patients,and the life quality was satisfactory during the follow-up period.Conclusion The lung from DCD may be one of the available resources used for lung transplantation on the basis of efficient management of the potential donors and clear evaluation of the donors.

Perioperative application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in lung transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To explore the perioperative application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in lung transplantation. Methods Thirty patients with primary and end-stage pulmonary disease accompanied by pulmonary hypertension were subjected to operation under the accessory of ECMO. Eighteen patients received single-lung transplantation and 12 patients bilateral sequential lung transplantation without sternal division in our hospital from November 2005 to July 2009. In 2 patients ECMO was given before operation and maintained for 19 days and 6 days respectively. In the remaining patients, ECMO pipeline was placed after anesthesia. After lung trarnsplantation,ECMO was removed after the recipients' oxygen saturation and hemodynamics were stable. Results In all recipients lung transplantation was successfully done. ECOM was removed in 27recipients after operation, and the rest 3 recipients were supported by ECMO after operation: the ECMO was removed at 36th h and 7th day after lung transplantation in two patients respectively,and another one was supported by ECMO for 5 days after operation and suffered acute kidney failure, and died of multiple organ failure 2 weeks post-transplantation. Two recipients were infected in thigh arteriovenous cut and one suffered femoral artery thrombosis, but all of them got better and discharged from hospital after treatment. Conclusion ECMO can be used for lung transplantation on patients with primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension. The complications may be associated with patients'serious condition and unstable hemodynamics. Early detection and active and effective treatment can improve patient's prognosis.

Lung transplantation with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the end stage lung disease with primary or secondary pulmonary hypertension / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To discuss the benefits of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) applied in the patients with primary or secondary pulmonary hypertension during the operation of lung transplantation. Methods Thirty cases of end stage lung disease subject to primary or secondary pulmonary hypertension received lung transplantation supported with ECMO between Nov. 2005 and July 2009. The single lung transplantation was performed on 18 cases and bilateral sequential single lung transplantation on 12 cases. ECMO was used in 2 patients as a bridge to the lung transplantation to maintain 19 and 6 days respectively, and ECMO support was given during lung transplantation. ECMO was removed after the transplantation if the oxygenation and hemodynamics were stable, otherwise, ECMO was applied continuously until the situation improved. Results All the operations of these patients were accomplished successfully and the ECMO was removed in 27 patients after the operation immediately. The average time with ECMO was 6. 81 + 0. 95 h, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure after lung transplantation was 31.67 + 8. 42 mmHg. The ECMO was continuously used after lung transplantation in three patients until the hemodynamics was stable, and ECMO in 2 of them was removed at 36th h and 6th day respectively after the operation, and one,receiving postoperative ECMO for 5 days, died of acute renal failure 2 weeks after the operation.Conclusion ECMO can replace CPB safely and effectively in lung transplantations for primary or secondary pulmonary hypertension patients. As a respiratory and circulatory support it can control pulmonary hypertension during operative period and can decrease the complications of lung transplantation.