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Lung transplantation in infants
C B Huddleston1, E N Mendeloff
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, MO 63110, USA.
Insights
Pediatric lung transplantation, especially in infants, is challenging but feasible. This review covers 30 infant lung transplants since 1993, detailing outcomes and management strategies for end-stage lung disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Lung transplantation is a vital treatment for end-stage lung diseases.
- Pediatric lung transplantation, particularly in infants, has historically been limited.
- Significant advancements have been made in infant lung transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the experience of lung transplantation in infants.
- To analyze indications, management, and outcomes in this specific population.
- To provide insights into long-term follow-up after infant lung transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 30 infant lung transplants performed since 1993.
- Analysis of pre-transplant indications, surgical procedures, and post-operative care.
- Evaluation of complications and long-term patient follow-up data.
Main Results:
- Successful lung transplantation in 30 children under one year of age.
- Detailed review of indications, including pulmonary vascular and parenchymal diseases.
- Comprehensive assessment of post-transplant management, complications, and survival rates.
Conclusions:
- Infant lung transplantation is a viable option for end-stage lung disease.
- Careful patient selection and management are crucial for successful outcomes.
- Long-term follow-up is essential for monitoring complications and ensuring graft survival.
Abstract:
Lung transplantation is an accepted mode of therapy for patients with end-stage pulmonary vascular or parenchymal diseases. To date, application to the pediatric age population in general, and the infantile group in particular, has been limited both in terms of number of transplants and follow-up thereafter. We performed our first transplant in an infant in 1993 and have performed 30 lung transplants in children under 1 year of age subsequent to that. This chapter will review the experience to date including indications for transplantation, post-transplant management, complications, and long-term follow-up.
