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Updated: Nov 5, 2025
Author Spotlight: Investigating the Key Factors of Obliterative Bronchiolitis After Lung Transplantation
Published on: November 10, 2023
Gastroesophageal Reflux and Esophageal Motility Disorder After Lung Transplant: Influence on the Transplanted Graft
Alicia de Pablo1, Rodrigo Alonso1, Constanza Ciriza2
1Pneumology Unit, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Center of Net Biomedical Investigation on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain.
Background:
Esophageal pathology has been identified as a bad prognostic factor in lung transplantation (LTx). This study aims to assess the esophageal disorders present post-LTx, under treatment with proton pump inhibitors, and their putative impact on the graft.
Methods:
Prospective, observational study of LTx patients. Digestive factors were assessed by manometry and pH-metry at 6 months post-LTx and under proton pump inhibitor treatment. We assessed the association between esophageal disorders and graft function and acute rejection (AR) and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD).
Results:
Out of 76 post-LTx patients, 27% showed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), 55% showed inadequate gastric inhibition, and 59% showed esophageal motility disorders (EMDs). We observed a greater incidence of AR from 3 months post-LTx in the presence of EMD (P ≤ .05). No significant differences were observed in GERD or EMD prevalence or in survival between patients with or without CLAD. The maximum forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) achieved after bilateral LTx was significantly (P = .022) lower in patients with EMD vs without EMD.
Conclusion:
At 6 months post-LTx, there is a high percentage of esophageal disorders (GERD and EMDs). No esophageal disorder is associated with CLAD or with survival, although EMDs are associated with a greater incidence of AR and lower graft function.
