Lung Transplant Considerations for the Community Pulmonologist
- Between 1988 and 2005, lung transplants annually in the United States increased from 33 to 1,406.
- Lung transplants are limited by organ availability.
- Reached a plateau at ˜1,000 patients/year in the United States in 2001
- Patients waiting for a lung allograft increased to 3,200
- Median waiting time of more than 2 years
- Lung allocation score was implemented in May 2005.
- Allocates organs based on disease severity rather than on waiting time
- With the implementation of this system, the number of patients currently active and waiting for lung transplantation has decreased to 940.
- Effect of the lung allocation score on waiting times is yet to be determined.
- This document is designed to serve as a basic reference for the management of lung transplant recipients with concise presentation of information.
- Concise Community Physician Office Visit Expectations in Community physician visits and concerns.
- Communication with the patient’s lung transplant center is necessary when information and guidance is warranted.
