[Patients on the waiting list for lung transplantation in Groningen: selection and outcome].

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the selection and outcome in patients placed on the waiting list for lung transplantation in Groningen.

DESIGN

Retrospective and descriptive.

SETTING

University Hospital Groningen.

PATIENTS

Clinical lung transplantations have been performed at Groningen University Hospital since November 1990. Until the beginning of August 1993 over 200 patients were presented. Patients' eligibility for lung transplantation was evaluated according to a fixed protocol.

RESULTS

Seventy patients were placed on the waiting list. Indications for lung transplantation were cystic fibrosis (22 patients), COPD/emphysema (24), pulmonary hypertension (14), pulmonary fibrosis (7), and another diagnosis (2). One patient required a second transplantation. Thirty patients underwent a transplantation after an average waiting period of 6.3 months. Eleven patients died on the waiting list, after an average waiting period of 3.9 months. The highest mortality on the waiting list concerned patients with cystic fibrosis. Characteristics and evolution on the waiting list of the selected patients were in accordance with the literature.

CONCLUSION

The growing number of candidates for lung transplantation is increasing the shortage of suitable donor lungs. A successful lung transplantation programme necessitates expansion of the donor potential, as well as meticulous selection of candidates.