Characteristics and Outcomes Among Patients With Early Venous Thromboembolic Events After Lung Transplant

Despite several previous studies reporting a high frequency of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after lung transplant (LT), few actionable risk factors have been identified. There are limited data regarding the practice patterns of anticoagulation use among patients with LT.

All adult patients with single or bilateral LT between 2012 and 2016 were included (n = 324; mean age, 56.3 ± 13.3 years; male, 61.1%). Demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables before and after LT were recorded. Follow-up data included survival up to 3 years post-transplant. Development of VTE during the first 30 days after LT was the primary outcome variable.

The overall incidence of VTE during the first 30 days after LT was 29.9% (n = 97), among which the majority were upper extremity thromboses. Female sex, personal history of VTE, hospitalization at the time of transplant, and use of 3 or more central venous catheters during index hospitalization were independently associated with VTE. The use of anticoagulants was independently associated with a reduced risk of VTE. Despite increased morbidity, the development of VTE was not associated with worse post-transplant survival.

A significant proportion of patients develop early VTE after LT. Limiting the number of central catheters to < 3 during the post-transplant period, along with the early institution of thromboprophylaxis, may lower the risk of VTE.