Clinical Risk Factors and Genetics of Primary Graft Failure

Why is this study being done?
This is a five-year multi-center cohort study funded by the NIH. Primary Graft Dysfunction (PGD) is severe, acute lung injury occurring within the first few days after transplantation. PGD has an incidence of 10-25% and is associated with a 30-day mortality of 50-75%. It accounts for the majority of early mortality after transplantation. Survivors have a protracted recovery and prolonged critical illness along with worse mortality rate beyond the 1st year. Reduction of PGD would dramatically improve clinical and economic outcomes for lung transplant patients. The goals are to provide insight into the mechanisms and causes of PGD, and to aid in the ability to predict PGD. 

Who is Eligible to Participate in the Study?
All patients undergoing lung transplant surgery, who have consented to participate in the study will be eligible.
Minimum Age: 18
Maximum Age: None

What is Involved With this Study?
Blood will be collected at three time points: pre-transplant, approximately 4 hours post-transplant and approximately 24 hours post-transplant.
Blood will be tested for:
• Levels of protein C and chemicals in the body that affect bleeding and clotting.
• Markers of “oxidative stress” (3-Nitrotyrosine and protein carbonyls).
• Remaining blood will be saved for future genetic testing if patients give consent to store the samples for genetic testing.

A chart review will also be performed to obtain important information about medical history, including donor information.