Pulmonary hemodynamics as predictors of mortality in patients awaiting lung transplantation

Lung transplantation (LTx) is a therapeutic option for patients with end-stage lung disease. However, the mortality rate of patients on the waiting list is high. The purpose of this study was to examine the prognostic value of cardio-pulmonary hemodynamics for death in patients awaiting LTx. Retrospectively, 177 patients with advanced lung disease accepted for LTx at Sahlgrenska University Hospital from January 1990 through December 2003 were studied. Patient demographics, pulmonary function tests, gas exchange and hemodynamic variables were included in the analysis. Death while awaiting LTx was the primary endpoint for all analyses. Mean age was 49 +/- 9 years. Main diagnoses were alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency (n = 56), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 61), cystic fibrosis (n = 14) and interstitial lung disease (n = 46). Thirty patients died (17%). LTx was performed in 143 cases. By univariate analyses, forced vital capacity (FVC) % of predicted, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and diagnosis were associated with risk for death. In multivariate analysis PVR (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.06-1.41; P = 0.006) and FVC% of predicted (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99; P = 0.01) were independently associated with death. Patients with increased PVR and a lower FVC % of predicted awaiting LTx should be considered for a higher organ allocation priority. Assessment of pulmonary hemodynamics needs to be considered during evaluation for LTx.