Chronic bronchitis Lung Transplant

Chronic Bronchitis Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]

Overview

It is primarily done for improvement of symptoms and quality of life. COPD is the leading cause of lung trasplant. Certain criteria have been developed to standardize this approach.

Lung Transplant

Due to the chronic nature of this disease some patients may be qualified for lung transplantation. COPD is considered as the most common indication for lung transplantation.

Indications

• BODE index of 7 to 10 or at least 1 of the following:

1- History of hospitalization for exacerbation associated with acute hypercapnia (P co2 exceeding 50 mmHg)

2- Pulmonary hypertension or cor pulmonale, or both, despite oxygen therapy

3- FEV1 < 20% and either DlCO < 20% or homogeneous distribution of emphysema

Contraindications

1- Recent malignancy (other than nonmelanoma skin cancer)

2- Active infection with hepatitis B or C virus associated with histologic evidence of significant liver damage

3- Active or recent cigarette smoking, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse

4- Severe psychiatric illness

5- Repeated noncompliance with medical care

6- Absence of a consistent and reliable social support network

7- HIV infection(in some centers AIDS is considered as absolute contraindication)