Pediatric lung transplantation.

Introduction: Pediatric lung transplantation (LT) was started in Spain in 1996 at our institution. We compare the results of pediatric LT with those in adult patients.

Methods: A retrospective review of LT patients from 1993 to 2003 included demographic donor and recipient data, pulmonary function, gas exchange parameters, complications, episodes of rejection and pneumonia, as well as survival. Patients were divided into 2 groups: pediatric (<16 years) and adult (>16 years) LT patients.

Results: Of 165 LTs performed, 23 recipients were pediatric patients (10 boys, 13 girls; mean age, 11.9 +/- 2.9 years [range, 5-16 years]). The indications were cystic fibrosis (n = 21), pulmonary fibrosis (n = 1), and Kartagener syndrome (n = 1). The actuarial survival rate was 73%, 67%, and 62% at 1, 3, and 8 years post-LT in children, versus 67%, 56%, and 41% at 1, 3, and 8 years post-LT in adult patients (P = NS). Of the pediatric patients, 35% required mechanical ventilation preoperatively (P < .001). Pediatric patients showed a higher incidence of pneumonia (P < .01) and acute rejection episodes (P = .02) during the first month post-LT, and longer stays in the intensive care unit (P = .02). Pediatric patients displayed more immunosuppression-related adverse effects: diabetes (P = .04), neuropathy (P < .01), and hirsutism (P < .001). In children, arterial oxygen tension improved, from 51 mm Hg pre-LT to 93 mm Hg at 5 years post-LT. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second improved from 28% pre-LT to 84% at 5 years post-LT.

Conclusion: In children, LT is a high-risk procedure because of the critical status of these patients. However, the results of pediatric LT are similar to those in adults, but with better long-term survival.