Abstract
Background: Although lung transplantation is a lifesaving option in some end stage lung diseases, it's outcome is highly dependent to recipient selection and management in lung transplant waiting list. We conducted this study to evaluate referred patient's condition to lung transplant clinic. Methods: We evaluated 960 visited patients in our transplant clinic, as one of the most active transplant center in Iran in 2012, for their general condition, body mass index (BMI), heart assessment and especially pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), socioeconomic status and compliance to treatment. Findings: Although %41 of referred patients were suitable for transplant, 22% were referred early and 37% were unsuitable for transplantation. They were considered unsuitable because of severely high PAP in 33%, severe deconditioning and low BMI in 21%, too old for transplant in 16 %, very poor socioeconomic status of 15% and not having enough compliance to follow the treatment in 8% Pleural thickening was dramatically significant in 7% of the patients, that our surgeons didn't accept them for transplant. Conclusion: Most Patients referred for lung transplant were in poor condition because of late referring for transplantation and not having a suitable rehabilitation. Establishing the rehabilitation program in different parts of the country and informing the pulmonologists about the referral criteria and better management of the patients with end stage lung disease are essential.