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Lung Transplantation in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis

  • Scleroderma (J Varga, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this study was to highlight recent findings on evaluation for lung transplantation and outcomes after transplantation in patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).

Recent Findings

The recognition that extra-pulmonary disease manifestations can seriously compromise post-transplant outcomes has changed the way patients are screened for lung transplant candidacy. Reluctance to transplant subjects affected by scleroderma has been driven by the complexity and multisystem nature of this disease. Multiple recent reports provide convincing findings that scleroderma patients undergoing lung transplantation have similar outcomes as those with other non-rheumatologic pulmonary conditions, even when significant esophageal dysmotility is present.

Summary

New evidence supports the notion that scleroderma should not be a contraindication for referral to lung transplant. Future studies are needed to improve risk stratification, to define protocols for screening and management of extra-pulmonary complications, and to optimize immunosuppression before and after transplant.

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Acknowledgements

This publication was supported by the Nina Ireland Program for Lung Health (NIPLH) Clinical Program Development award.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Rupal J. Shah

  2. Division of Rheumatology, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, Medical Science Building, S-847, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA

    Francesco Boin

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Correspondence to Francesco Boin.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Scleroderma

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Shah, R.J., Boin, F. Lung Transplantation in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 19, 23 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-017-0650-z

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