Acute and chronic rejection after lung transplantation

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Immunology

Background:

• Lung transplantation survival has improved significantly over the last decade, reaching 70-80% one-year patient survival.
• Advancements in surgical techniques, organ preservation, immunosuppression, and managing complications like ischemia-reperfusion injury and infections have driven these improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the major aspects of acute and chronic rejection following lung transplantation.
• To provide insights into clinical presentation, risk factors, diagnosis, and management strategies for lung transplant rejection.

Main Methods:

• This article is a review of existing literature and clinical knowledge.
• It synthesizes information on the clinical presentation, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options for lung transplant rejection.

Main Results:

• Despite improved survival, acute rejection rates in lung transplantation are higher compared to other solid organ transplants.
• Bronchiolitis obliterans, a form of chronic allograft rejection, poses a significant threat to long-term patient survival after lung transplantation.

Conclusions:

• Acute and chronic rejection remain critical issues in lung transplantation, impacting long-term outcomes.
• Effective management requires a thorough understanding of clinical presentation, risk factors, and timely diagnosis and treatment.