The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an impact of donation rates on the quality of lungs used for transplantation and whether donor lung quality affects post-transplant outcome in the current Lung Allocation Score era. All consecutive adult LTx performed in Eurotransplant (ET) between January 2012 and December 2016 were included (N = 3053). Donors used for LTx in countries with high donation rate were younger (42% vs. 33% /=7 at 5 years were 69.7% and 60.9% (P = 0.007). Lung donor quality significantly impacts on long-term patient survival. Countries with a low donation rate are more oriented to using donor lungs with a lesser quality compared to countries with a high donation rate. Instead of further stretching donor eligibility criteria, the full potential of the donor pool should be realized.
- Smits, J. M.
- Gottlieb, J.
- Verschuuren, E.
- Evrard, P.
- Hoek, R.
- Knoop, C.
- Lang, G.
- Kwakkel-van Erp, J. M.
- Vos, R.
- Verleden, G.
- Rondelet, B.
- Hoefer, D.
- Langer, F.
- Schramm, R.
- Hoetzenecker, K.
- van Kessel, D.
- Luijk, B.
- Seghers, L.
- Deuse, T.
- Buhl, R.
- Witt, C.
- Strelniece, A.
- Green, D.
- de Vries, E.
- Laufer, G.
- Van Raemdonck, D.
Keywords
- donation
- donor
- expanded donor pool
- lung clinical
- outcome
