HEART-LUNG AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION FOR CYSTIC-FIBROSIS - WORLD EXPERIENCE

Heart-lung or bilateral lung transplantation is an option for CF patients with end-stage lung disease, which is associated with poor survival. The most important early complication is bacterial infection with Pseudomonas, usually from the recipient's own airways. Lung function and life quality improves markedly after transplantation. Long-term survival is mainly influenced by the occurrence of OB as major late complication. This complication is usually linked to frequent early rejection. Five-year survival reaches more than 50% in some centers and patients without OB have a good life quality and normal lung function.