[Pulmonary emphysema--lung transplantation]

The most frequent form of lung emphysema leading to respiratory failure is the tobacco bronchitis-induced type of emphysema the so called chronic obstructive pulmonary (lung) disease (COPD). Histologically the centrilobular or centriacinar emphysema is believed to develop due to elastase and oxidant overload with concomitant antiprotease deficiency. The alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency is a rare genetic defect leading also in non-smoking patients to early death due to panlobular or panacinar emphysema. The functional pattern of both emphysema types shows irreversible lung overinflation with severe mainly expiratory bronchial obstruction with various degrees of pulmonary hypertension alpha1-proteinaseNinhibitor deficiency emphysema is prophylactically treated with prolastine and if hypoxia (PaO2 > 55 mm/Hg) is present with long term oxygen therapy. If hypercapnia develops O2 Therapy is combined with non invasive pressure supported ventilation. Volume reducing surgery may precede. In nonsmoking emphysema patients long term oxygen therapy and later unilateral lung transplantation improves quality of life as well as life expectancy.