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  • Li LJ
  • Xu HY
  • Wang XW
  • Jin K
  • Zhang C
  • et al.
J Artif Organs. 2023 Dec;26(4):303-308 doi: 10.1007/s10047-022-01376-7.
CET Conclusion
Reviewer: Mr Simon Knight, Centre for Evidence in Transplantation, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences University of Oxford
Conclusion: This single centre study randomised recipients of lung transplants requiring veno-venous ECMO intra-operatively to immediate or delayed weaning of ECMO post-operatively. Delayed ECMO weaning was associated with shorter hospital stay, less primary graft dysfunction and lower incidence of non-invasive ventilation. Whilst the results appear significantly better in the delayed-weaning group, there are some methodical and reporting issues that should be noted. No primary outcome is defined, and no sample size calculation is presented. The method of randomisation is not reported. Outcomes are not clearly defined – for example, the definition of primary graft dysfunction used is not clear. Many of the outcomes showing significant improvement may be subject to treatment biases in the absence of blinding – such as use of non-invasive ventilation and discharge from hospital. The findings are certainly worthy of further investigation in a larger, multicentre sample with more robust design.
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of delayed weaning of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in lung transplant recipients.
Interventions: Participants were randomised into two groups: the intraoperative VV-ECMO group which included VVECMO weaning immediately after lung transplantation, or the intra- and postoperative group which involved delayed VV-ECMO weaning after lung transplantation.
Participants: 88 lung transplant recipients with VV-ECMO.
Outcomes: The main clinical outcomes of interest were duration of hospital and ICU stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilation, respiratory failure, high-flow oxygen mask (auxiliary ventilation after VV-ECMO weaning), and postoperative complications.
Follow Up: Not reported

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is a reliable and effective extracorporeal life support during lung transplantation (LTx). However, the clinical benefit of delayed VV-ECMO weaning remains unclear. The current study aims to investigate whether delayed weaning of VV-ECMO is more beneficial to the rehabilitation for lung transplant patients. Patients who underwent LTx with VV-ECMO between January 2017 and January 2019 were included. Enrollment of patients was suitable for weaning off ECMO immediately after surgery. Randomization was performed in the operating room. Postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Besides, univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate risk of postoperative complications. Compared to VV-ECMO weaning immediately after LTx, delayed weaning was associated with shorter hospital length of stay (days, 31 vs. 46; P < 0.05), lower incidence of noninvasive ventilation (4.3% vs. 24.4%; P < 0.05), primary graft dysfunction (PGD) (6.4% vs. 29.3%; P < 0.05), atrial fibrillation (AF) (4.3% vs. 22%, P < 0.05), and respiratory failure (4.3% vs. 19.5%; P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regressions revealed that VV-ECMO weaning after LTx was independently correlated with increased risk of developing PGD [odds ratio (OR), 5.97, 95% CI 1.16-30.74], AF (OR, 6.87, 95% CI 1.66-28.47) and respiratory failure (OR, 6.02, 95% CI 1.12-32.49) by comparison of delayed VV-ECMO weaning. Patients with delayed VV-ECMO weaning are associated with lower complications and short hospital length of stay, while it relates to longer mechanical ventilation. These findings suggest that delayed VV-ECMO after LTx can facilitate rehabilitation.

  • Chen XJ
  • Li K
  • Xu L
  • Yu YJ
  • Wu B
  • et al.
Eur J Clin Invest. 2021 Jan;51(1):e13443 doi: 10.1111/eci.13443.
BACKGROUND:

To reveal detailed histopathological changes, virus distributions, immunologic properties and multi-omic features caused by SARS-CoV-2 in the explanted lungs from the world's first successful lung transplantation of a COVID-19 patient.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of 36 samples were collected from the lungs. Histopathological features and virus distribution were observed by optical microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Immune cells were detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Transcriptome and proteome approaches were used to investigate main biological processes involved in COVID-19-associated pulmonary fibrosis.

RESULTS:

The histopathological changes of the lung tissues were characterized by extensive pulmonary interstitial fibrosis and haemorrhage. Viral particles were observed in the cytoplasm of macrophages. CD3+ CD4- T cells, neutrophils, NK cells, γ/δ T cells and monocytes, but not B cells, were abundant in the lungs. Higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines iNOS, IL-1β and IL-6 were in the area of mild fibrosis. Multi-omics analyses revealed a total of 126 out of 20,356 significant different transcription and 114 out of 8,493 protein expression in lung samples with mild and severe fibrosis, most of which were related to fibrosis and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results provide novel insight that the significant neutrophil/ CD3+ CD4- T cell/ macrophage activation leads to cytokine storm and severe fibrosis in the lungs of COVID-19 patient and may contribute to a better understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis.

  • Chen JY
  • Qiao K
  • Liu F
  • Wu B
  • Xu X
  • et al.
Chin Med J (Engl). 2020 Jun 20;133(12):1390-1396 doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000000839.
BACKGROUND:

Critical patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), even those whose nucleic acid test results had turned negative and those receiving maximal medical support, have been noted to progress to irreversible fatal respiratory failure. Lung transplantation (LT) as the sole therapy for end-stage pulmonary fibrosis related to acute respiratory distress syndrome has been considered as the ultimate rescue therapy for these patients.

METHODS:

From February 10 to March 10, 2020, three male patients were urgently assessed and listed for transplantation. After conducting a full ethical review and after obtaining assent from the family of the patients, we performed three LT procedures for COVID-19 patients with illness durations of more than one month and extremely high sequential organ failure assessment scores.

RESULTS:

Two of the three recipients survived post-LT and started participating in a rehabilitation program. Pearls of the LT team collaboration and perioperative logistics were summarized and continually improved. The pathological results of the explanted lungs were concordant with the critical clinical manifestation, and provided insight towards better understanding of the disease. Government health affair systems, virology detection tools, and modern communication technology all play key roles towards the survival of the patients and their rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS:

LT can be performed in end-stage patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19-related pulmonary fibrosis. If confirmed positive-turned-negative virology status without organ dysfunction that could contraindicate LT, LT provided the final option for these patients to avoid certain death, with proper protection of transplant surgeons and medical staffs. By ensuring instant seamless care for both patients and medical teams, the goal of reducing the mortality rate and salvaging the lives of patients with COVID-19 can be attained.