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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2010; 31(2): 099-107
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1249106
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Candidate Selection, Overall Results, and Choosing the Right Operation

Christian A. Merlo1 , 2 , Jonathan B. Orens1
  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
  • 2Department of Epidemiology, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Publication History

Publication Date:
30 March 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Lung transplantation offers potential improvement in survival and improved quality of life in patients with end-stage lung disease. International guidelines for candidate selection have been agreed upon to aid physicians and providers in selecting appropriate candidates for lung transplantation. In recent years the U.S. lung allocation score (LAS) has been developed and implemented in an attempt to both maximize utility of scarce donor organs and provide benefit to those in need of lung transplantation. This has helped in the process of offering transplantation to those with the greatest need and best chance of survival. Appropriate lung transplantation candidates should have life-threatening lung disease but remain otherwise healthy, because significant comorbidities may increase the risk of poor outcomes after transplantation limiting long-term survival. Improved outcomes are seen through early referrals to a specialized center and vigilant evaluation to select the most appropriate candidates for lung transplantation.

KEYWORDS

Lung transplantation - lung allocation score - evaluation - outcomes

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Christian A MerloM.D. 

Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument St., 5th Fl., Baltimore, MD 21205

Email: cmerlo@jhmi.edu

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