Published in:
01-12-2018 | Lung Transplant (R Bag, Section Editor)
Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction
Authors:
William F. Parker, Remzi Bag
Published in:
Current Pulmonology Reports
|
Issue 4/2018
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Abstract
Purpose of Review
Synthesize recent developments in the understanding of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) epidemiology, pathophysiology, outcomes, and treatments with a focus on the classification of CLAD into restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS) and from bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS).
Recent Findings
Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) remains the leading cause of long-term morbidity and mortality in lung transplant recipients. Despite the lack of progress on improving outcomes, significant progress has been made in better characterizing the disease’s clinical and pathologic diversity. Most significantly, the clinical diagnosis of restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS) has been recognized as pathophysiologically distinct from bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). Azithromycin remains the only treatment proven effective for CLAD, and its use has a modest impact on survival.
Summary
Important steps towards better classification and understanding of the CLAD disease processes have been made; however, more research is needed to develop effective therapies for this devastating condition.