Long-term outcomes after solid organ transplantation in patients with schizophrenia: An illustrative case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Solid organ transplantation in patients with schizophrenia is challenging. In particular, there are limited data to support the practice of lung transplantation in patients with schizophrenia. We previously reported the first case of right unilateral lung transplantation in a patient with schizophrenia. However, the long-term outcomes of psychiatric symptoms and social functioning following lung transplantation remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To describe the long-term psychiatric symptoms and social functioning outcomes following the previously reported lung transplantation in a patient with schizophrenia and to provide evidence to guide transplant eligibility decision-making in this population. METHODS: In this case report and literature review, we present the case of a 53-year-old male diagnosed with schizophrenia who underwent right unilateral lung transplantation at age 35 and was followed-up over 17 years. We then review the literature for additional case reports that describe patients with schizophrenia who underwent solid organ transplantation. RESULTS: The patient presented in our case report showed favourable long-term social functioning as a full-time clerical staffer as part of a disability employment program. Among the case reports reviewed, most documented follow-up periods were three years or less; thus, little information has been published on social functioning outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the need for additional research on lung transplantation in patients with schizophrenia to better understand pre-transplant evaluation and post-transplant management.