Lung transplantation for COVID-19 induced ARDS: a single-center experience

Introduction: The world-wide experience with lung transplantation (LT) for COVID-19 induced ARDS is limited and it is unknown if and when such a treatment should be offered. Aims & Methods: Aim of the study was a) to highlight the proportion of COVID-19 ARDS patients who can be considered for LT and b) to assess the outcome after LT. Clinical data were collected for COVID-19 patients who had been referred to our institution for the evaluation of a LT (Figure 1). For the subgroup of transplanted patients, postoperative outcome was determined (30-days survival rate, length of ICU stay and overall survival in days). Findings: Until February 2021, 48 patients were referred to our center. 28 (58%) were rejected due to comorbidities, 8 (17%) were considered too good and recovered without LT. 8 (17%) patients underwent bilateral LT, 4 (8%) additional candidates were still under evaluation for LT. 30-days survival rate after LT was 100% with a median length of ICU stay of 59 (55-63) days. With a follow up ranging between 14 and 275 days, all transplanted patients are alive. Conclusion: LT is feasible for COVID-19 induced ARDS and should be considered for carefully selected patients with irreversible lung injury.