Lung Transplant in Patients with Connective Tissue Diseases

Abstract

Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are autoimmune diseases that can result in end-stage interstitial lung diseases and pulmonary hypertension. Certain organ system dysfunctions have been thought to affect survival after lung transplant in patients diagnosed with CTDs. This article discusses the current data suggesting that clinical outcomes in patients with CTDs are similar to outcomes of patients who undergo lung transplant for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Larger studies focusing on the management of esophageal dysmotility and strategies of desensitization for increased antibody levels may result in approval of more patients with CTDs for lung transplant.