Survival analysis in a high-altitude lung transplant program: insights from a real-life observational study

Survival in lung transplantation (LT) may be influenced by recipient-related variables, donor factors, donor-recipient interaction, surgical approach, and medical center expertise. The objective of this study was to describe the sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and survival of patients who have undergone LT.

We conducted an observational analysis between 2014 and 2022. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method at the 1^st, 3^rd, and 5^th years of follow-up post-transplantation.

We analyzed data from 50 subjects, of whom 56% (28/50) were men, with a median age of 54 years (interquartile range: 39-59). The unadjusted survival rates post lung transplantation were 81.4% at 12-months, 65.8% at 3-years, and 53.6% at 5-years. Excluding mortality attributed to COVID-19, survival rates were 78.2% at 12-months, 68.8% at 3-years, and 63.5% at 5-years. The survival of pulmonary fibrosis with a non-usual interstitial pneumonia (N-UIP) pattern was 85% at 1 year and 54% at 5 years, while pulmonary fibrosis with a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern demonstrated a solid survival rate of 80% at 1 year and 60% at 5 years.

Patients with pulmonary fibrosis with a N-UIP pattern demonstrated superior survival after 1 year of follow-up, while those with pulmonary fibrosis with a UIP pattern described the highest survival at the 5^th year. COVID-19 decreased long-term survival in transplant patients.