Provider-Documented Dyspnea in Intensive Care Unit After Lung Transplantation

Dyspnea is an important problem that might affect the clinical course after lung transplantation; however, the prevalence, risk factors, and relevant outcomes of dyspnea in the intensive care unit (ICU) after lung transplantation remain unknown.

This retrospective, observational study enrolled consecutive patients aged ≥ 20 years who were admitted to the ICU after lung transplantation between January 2010 and December 2020. The main outcome measure was provider-documented dyspnea identified based on a comprehensive retrospective chart review to extract dyspnea episodes (e.g., documented words related to "dyspnea," "shortness of breath," or "breathlessness").

This study included 184 lung transplant recipients, including 115 bilateral (63%) and 69 single (37%) lung transplants. Fifty-four transplants were from living donors (29%), and 130 were from deceased donors (71%). Dyspnea was documented in 116 patients (63%). Multivariate analysis identified bilateral lung transplantation (odds ratio = 5.127; 95% confidence interval, 2.020-13.014; P < .001) as a risk factor for dyspnea. In addition, postoperative anxiety (odds ratio = 18.605; 95% confidence interval, 7.748-44.674; P < .001) was independently associated with dyspnea. Patients with documented dyspnea showed delayed rehabilitation (P < .001) and weaning from mechanical ventilation (P < .001) and a longer ICU stay (P < .001).

This study demonstrated that the prevalence of dyspnea in the ICU after lung transplantation was frequent and identified bilateral lung transplantation as a risk factor. Dyspnea caused a delay in rehabilitation and weaning from mechanical ventilation. Extensive evaluation and care for dyspnea and anxiety may enhance patient recovery.