PG9 - Long-term follow-up of lung transplant recipients

Postgraduate Course
Chairs: J. J. G. Egan (Dublin, Ireland), D. Spencer (Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom)
Aims: The Achilles heal of lung transplantation is chronic rejection, which is still a major threat during follow-up. Early diagnosis permits aggressive management to preserve lung function. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that all physicians involved with transplanted patients are informed about the most recent modalities for surveillance and treatment. Physicians should also be aware that the specificities of follow-up in paediatric patients differ from adult patients. This course will:
• provide insight into the pathophysiological basis of chronic lung allograft dysfunction;
• describe available tools for early diagnosis and their respective diagnostic accuracy;
• review specific treatment modalities in patients with proven or suspected chronic rejection;
• explain the specificities of follow-up for paediatric patients.

Pathophysiology of the lung allograft: pathways of graft rejection G. Verleden (Leuven, Belgium)
Early diagnosis of chronic rejection W. Van Der Bij (Groningen, The Netherlands)
Treatment options in patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome A. Boehler (Zurich, Switzerland)
Specificities of the paediatric lung transplant recipient P. Aurora (London, United Kingdom)