Complications of lung transplantation: peri-operative complications, acute and chronic rejection

In 2009 lung transplantation is a valuable therapeutic option for a spectrum of end-stage pulmonary diseases. To many patients who are dying, lung transplantation offers a new and normal life for several years. However, lung transplantation is a major surgical intervention associated with a significant early mortality. Moreover, matching according to the major human histocompatibilty antigens is impossible, exposing the recipient to an increased risk of acute and chronic rejection. Chronic rejection and its clinical corollary the bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, is the main cause of death medium and longterm. The immunosuppressive treatment administered in order to prevent or stabilize this complication induces a number of potentially severe complications including infection, malignancies, and cardio-vascular, metabolic and renal complications which not only limit autonomy and quality of life, but also cause death in a number of long term survivors. A better understanding of the precise mechanisms underlying the development of the bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and the development of specific preventive or therapeutic strategies will be key elements for the improvement of long term survival, The control of this main cause of death will allow individual tailoring of the immunosuppressive therapy and decrease the incidence of infectious and metabolic complications.