The Munich-LTX-Score: predictor for survival after lung transplantation.

Background: The purpose of this study was to create a prognostic score calculated one yr after LTX based on post-transplant factors inclusive of donor and recipient characteristics that could be used to predict long-term survival in patients after lung transplantation (LTX).

Methods: Uni- and multivariate analysis in 206 consecutive LTX patients identified independent risk factors for post-transplant mortality and onset of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Munich-LTX-Score is devised by summing up each identified risk factor.

Is sirolimus a therapeutic option for patients with progressive pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis?

Background: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung disease characterised by progressive airflow obstruction. No effective medical treatment is available but therapy with sirolimus has shown some promise. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate sirolimus in progressive LAM.

Prognostic value of bronchoalveolar lavage neutrophilia in stable lung transplant recipients.

Background: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) neutrophilia may identify patients prone to develop bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after lung transplantation (LTx). This study assessed the predictive value of BAL neutrophilia in stable recipients.

Methods: Evaluated were 63 consecutive recipients 3 to 12 months after LTx demonstrating no acute rejection (AR) and lymphocytic bronchitis (LB; B < or = 1 without infection; BOS, 0).