Lung transplantation and interstitial lung disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Interstitial lung disease includes a heterogeneous group of disorders that leads to respiratory insufficiency and death in a significant number of patients. Lung transplantation is a therapeutic option in select candidates.

RECENT FINDINGS: The indications, transplant procedure options, and outcomes continue to evolve. Various recipient comorbidities influence the choice of procedure in patients with interstitial lung disease. Single lung transplants are used as the procedure of choice and bilateral transplants are reserved for patients with suppurative lung disease and patients with pulmonary hypertension. Issues unique to patients with interstitial lung disease affect the morbidity, mortality and recurrence of the disease.

SUMMARY: Lung transplantation is an effective therapy for respiratory failure in interstitial lung disease with survival following transplant being similar to that achieved in transplant recipients with other diseases.