Early postoperative management after lung transplantation: Results of an international survey

Christopher S. King, Vincent Valentine, Ashok Cattamanchi, Domingo Franco-Palacios, Oksana A. Shlobin, A. Whitney Brown, Ramesh Singh, Linda Bogar, Steven D. Nathan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Little data exist regarding optimal therapeutic strategies postoperatively after lung transplant (LTx). Current practice patterns rely on expert opinion and institutional experience resulting in nonuniform postoperative care. To better define current practice patterns, an international survey of LTx clinicians was conducted. Methods: A 30-question survey was sent to transplant clinicians via email to the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation open forum mailing list and directly to the chief transplant surgeon and pulmonologist of all LTx centers in the United States. Results: Fifty-two clinicians representing 10 countries responded to the survey. Sedatives use patterns included: opiates + propofol (57.2%), opiates + dexmedetomidine (18.4%), opiates + intermittent benzodiazepines (14.3%), opiates + continuous benzodiazepines (8.2%), and opiates alone (2%). About 40.4% reported no formal sedation scale was followed and 13.5% of programs had no formal policy on sedation and analgesia. A lung protective strategy was commonly employed, with 13.8%, 51.3%, and 35.9% of respondents using tidal volumes of <6 mL/kg ideal body weight (IBW), 6 mL/kg IBW, and 8 mL/kg IBW, respectively. Conclusion: Practice patterns in the early postoperative care of lung transplant recipients differ considerably among centers. Many of the reported practices do not conform to consensus guidelines on management of critically ill patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere12985
JournalClinical Transplantation
Volume31
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • complication
  • critical care
  • surgical

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Transplantation

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