Evaluation of Candidates for Lung Transplant—A Review of Patient-Specific Risk Factors

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of review The purpose of this paper is to review the evaluation of patients who are potential candidates for a lung transplant. Attention is paid to patient-specific risk factors considered when determining if an individual is a candidate for a lung transplant. Recent findings Recent consensus statements and a review of the literature support the notion that patient-specific risk factors associated with adverse outcomes following lung transplant should be identified and used to determine whether an individual patient is a candidate for lung transplant. The rationale for considering these risk factors is discussed. Early referral is encouraged to enable individuals time to reduce risk when modifiable risk factors are identified. Summary Patient-specific risk factors for adverse post-lung transplant outcomes should be identified and modified, if possible, to reduce risk. Additional research is required to better understand which ones place the recipient at the greatest risk and to guide the calculation of acceptable risk. Interprofessional teams at each lung transplant center must consider the combination of patient-specific risk factors in a risk-benefit analysis to make the determination as to whether the candidate will be listed for a lung transplant. These determinations should be transparent, equitable, and communicated clearly.