Interstitial lung disease and lung transplantation

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by progressive destruction of the pulmonary parenchyma, leading to chronic respiratory failure. In general, ILD has a poor prognosis, particularly in usual interstitial pneumonia, in which mean survival time from the diagnosis ranges from 2.8 to 3.2 years. None of the available medical treatments until now have been shown to increase survival. Lung transplantation (LT) offers the possibility to prolong life, improving lung function in these patients. In current registries and published series, ILD accounts for 10% to 30% of the total LT activity. Historically, single LT was initiated in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. There is now extensive experience in LT for patients with ILD. A few years ago, it was demonstrated that survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who undergo LT is increased compared with those who remain on the transplant waiting list. The aim of this report is to review ILD and LT as the most effective treatment known until now for ILD. © 2011 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.