Influence of donor-recipient gender mismatch in early outcome after lung transplantation

Donor and recipient genders are not considered in lung transplantation (LT) programs. However, recent data have suggested a possible biologic effect of gender combination on the outcome of LT. We ought to evaluate the effect of gender combinations on early survival in a single-institution experience in transplant recipients.

We analyzed the potential effect of donor-recipient gender combinations (male [M] or female [F]) on early survival of all patients whose LTs were performed between January 1999 and December 2006. Patients were distributed into 4 groups: M donor to M recipient (M-M group); M donor to F recipient (M-F group); F donor to F recipient (F-F group); and F donor to M recipient (F-M group). The comparison between groups was performed using two-tailed Fisher exact test and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

During the study period, 152 LTs were performed in 149 patients, including 99 male donors and 53 female donors. The mean age of the recipients was 54 +/- 10 years (range, 14-70). The 30-day survival rate was 86% (95% confidence interval [CI], 77%- 92%) for the M-M group, 67% (95% CI, 41%-87%) for the F-M group, 89% (95% CI, 52%-100%) for the M-F group, and 83% (95% CI, 66%-93%) for the F-F group. No differences were observed between group survivals according to the Fisher test (P = .27).

We found no association between donor-recipient gender mismatch and improved survival in lung transplant recipients. Further investigation is needed to finally understand the possible role of gender combinations in LT.