Follow up of lung transplant recipients using an electronic nose

Lung transplantation is the only available treatment for some end-stage lung diseases. However, patients following lung transplantation need tight control to prevent serious complications, but mainly invasive techniques are available. An electronic nose is a non-invasive way to measure exhaled volatiles. In this study we investigated the potential of electronic nose measurements in lung transplant patients and compared the 'breathprint' with clinical parameters. Sixteen patients with lung transplant and 33 healthy subjects participated in the study. Exhaled breath was collected; laboratory tests and lung function measurements were carried out. Breath samples were processed by an electronic nose, analysed using principal component analysis and compared to blood (CRP, tacrolimus) and lung function parameters. Significant differences were found in exhaled breath volatile compound pattern between healthy subjects and lung transplant recipients. The plasma level of tacrolimus showed significant relationship with 'breathprint' in lung transplanted patients. Patients living with transplanted lungs can be discriminated from healthy subjects by exhaled breath volatile organic compounds' profile. Treatment after lung transplantation needs to be taken into consideration when using an electronic nose as medication may have profound influence on breathprints.