Lung transplantation waiting list in State of São Paulo: patients’ characteristics and predictors of death

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays, lung allocation in Brazil is based mainly on waitingtime while on list (Li) for lung transplantation (LTx). Objectives: (1) To determine the profi leof the patients on Li; (2) To identify predictors of death on list (PDLi). Casuistic and methods:We analysed medical records of 164 patients inscribed on Li by our service, from 2001 to2008. The PDLi were obtained through Cox proportional hazards analyses. Results: Patientswere included onto Li with mean age of 40,9 ± 15,7 years, maily due to emphysema (24,5%).Diagnosis of emphysema or bronquiectasis (relative risk [RR]=0,15; p=0,002), activated partialthromboplastin time > 30 seconds (RR=3,28; p=0,002), plasma albumin (RR=0,44; p=0,033)and hemoglobin saturation > 85% (RR=0,44; p=0,031) were identifi ed as PDLi. Conclusions: (1)Some variables can predict probability of death on Li; (2) To know LTx recipients’ characteristicsis essential for future actions driven at improving LTx allocation criteria.