Lung transplantation for interstitial lung disease

Abstract

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are now the most common indication for lung transplant internationally. Given that many lung transplant candidates with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are older, referral to a pulmonary rehabilitation programme is important to help mitigate the adverse outcomes associated with frailty. Despite this increase many patients with ILD who would potentially benefit from lung transplant are either not referred or referred too late. Particularly relevant in ILD which may have prominent extra-pulmonary manifestations is a multidisciplinary assessment of comorbidities which may impact on post lung transplant outcomes. Particular challenges in lung transplant for ILD are increasing age, comorbidities, donor lung sizing and the risk-benefit balance of single versus bilateral lung transplant. Evidence is continuing to evolve for lung transplant in rarer ILDs, including surfactant protein associated ILD and TERT mutations. Unfortunately, the number of potential lung transplant recipients exceeds available donor organs and some patients will die without transplant. Palliative care is an important aspect of managing patients on an active lung transplant list to help optimise physical and psychological symptoms associated with uncertainty on an active lung transplant list.