Guidelines for the selection of lung-transplant candidates

Abstract

Purpose of review: Lung transplantation can improve survival and quality of life in select patients with end-stage lung disease. Because of the limited availability of donor lungs and limited post-transplant survival of recipients, selection of candidates that are most likely to benefit from transplantation is of utmost importance.

Recent findings: Since the revision of 2006 international guidelines for the selection of lung-transplant candidates, new literature has emerged to improve our understanding of disease-specific prognosis and the impact of nonpulmonary comorbidities on post-transplant outcomes. Further published data on the cumulative effect of multiple comorbidities have allowed transplant professionals to better define the high-risk recipient. Applying each of the above principles to the evaluation of potential lung-transplant recipients will allow optimal allocation of donor organs to recipients that are most likely to benefit.

Summary: This article will review the most recent literature in the field in order to provide an updated framework for the optimal selection of candidates for lung transplantation.