Lung transplantation is well-established in the treatment of end-stage lung disease in children. Our understanding of the problems associated with transplantation has increased rapidly over the past 25 years. Recent figures suggest this knowledge is starting to translate into improvements in management and survival. The common indications for lung transplantation in children, the process of assessment and the outcomes and complications of transplantation are reviewed. We discuss briefly some of the ethical issues relevant to lung transplantation and review strategies for the future. This information may help the respiratory paediatrician prepare potential candidates and their families for the process of assessment and help him or her anticipate common problems that may occur.
1Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Kings College Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London
2Department of Cardiothoracic Transplantation, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London
Corresponding author. Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, Department of Cardiothoracic Transplantation, Level 6 Old Nurses Home, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, London. WC1N 3JH Tel.: +0207 813 8563; Fax: +0207 813 8440.
ABSTRACT