Clinical outcome of pediatric lung transplantation in the largest center of China.

BACKGROUND: Lung transplantation is a recognized treatment for children with end-stage lung disease that can prolong their life and improve their quality of life. Currently, there are few reports on the clinical efficacy of lung transplantation in children. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of children who underwent lung transplantation at the Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between 2019 and 2022. The follow-up deadline was November 2023. RESULTS: Between 2019 and 2022, 13 pediatric patients underwent lung transplantation at our center. None of the patients tolerated the pulmonary function test and the 6-min walking test before surgery. All patients underwent double lung transplantation, and four patients underwent lung volume reduction prior to chest closure. All patients survived for more than 30 days except one patient who died 4 days after surgery. The forced expiratory volume in one second and the forced vital capacity after surgery were 84 ± 18% and 84 ± 11% of the predicted values, respectively. The result of the six-minute walking test was 417 ± 26 m. CONCLUSION: Pediatric lung transplantation is a feasible treatment option for children with end-stage lung disease that can extend their life and improve their quality of life.