Lung transplantation at Loyola University Medical Center
Bhorade, S.M.; Vigneswaran, W.T.; Lanuza, D.; Garrity, E.R.
Clinical Transplants 1999: 281-288
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0890-9016 PMID: 11038647 Document Number: 511555
The Loyola Lung Transplant Program shows a long record of offering transplants to suitable recipients, with good clinical results. The overall one-year survival rate was 84% for 53 lung transplant recipients in 1998-99. Our local perception on donor management appears to be successful at increasing donor organ availability. In addition, continuous evolution in posttransplant care and willingness to utilize newer immunosuppressive agents has reduced our incidence of acute rejection episodes to 23% during the past 2 years. Time will tell if there is also a measurable reduction in bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Finally, longitudinal research on QOL after lung transplantation continues to buoy our spirits based on patient acceptance and satisfaction with results. We continue to be strong advocates for transplantation and organ donation.