Insomnia and Relationship With Immunosuppressant Therapy After Lung Transplantation.

Background: Lung transplant recipients are at high risk of developing sleep disorders such as insomnia, but the prevalence and features are currently poorly characterized within this population. Since these disorders are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, it is important to identify them to optimize the care of lung transplant recipients. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of insomnia within our university-based lung transplant clinic and determine whether a relationship exists between insomnia and exposure to immunosuppressant medications following transplantation.

Restless Legs Syndrome Following Lung Transplantation: Prevalence and Relationship With Tacrolimus Exposure.

Context: Complications following lung transplantation are common and significantly reduce quality of life, and increase morbidity and mortality. Increasing evidence suggests sleep disorders are prevalent following lung transplantation, but factors associated with their development are not known.

Objectives: We sought to evaluate the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in a lung transplant population and determine if a relationship exists between RLS and exposure to immunosuppressant medications.

Colon cancer in lung transplant recipients with CF: increased risk and results of screening.

Objective: To determine the incidence of colon cancer in lung transplant recipients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and review screening colonoscopic findings in other recipients with CF.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients with CF transplanted at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics (January 1994 through December 2010).

Results: Four of 70 transplant recipients with CF developed fatal colon carcinoma following transplantation, and the cancer was advanced in all 4 recipients (age 31, 44, 44, 64) at the time of diagnosis.

Effect of annual influenza immunization on antibody response in lung transplant patients.

Background: Influenza viral infections cause significant morbidity and mortality each season. Lung transplant patients may be at higher risk because of their underlying pathophysiology. Although annual immunization is the standard of care, its efficacy remains largely unproven.