Published online Jun 18, 2023. doi: 10.5500/wjt.v13.i4.138
Peer-review started: November 20, 2022
First decision: March 15, 2023
Revised: March 22, 2023
Accepted: March 31, 2023
Article in press: March 31, 2023
Published online: June 18, 2023
Gastroesophageal reflux is prevalent in chronic lung disease and can negatively impact lung transplant outcomes. However, the impact of pre-transplant reflux testing is not established in the cystic fibrosis (CF) population.
Routine reflux evaluation remains poorly standardized in lung transplantation, and this work contributes to the growing literature on the utility of reflux testing and timely management in lung transplant patients, especially those with CF.
To evaluate the impact of pre-transplant reflux testing on transplant outcomes in CF, as well as determining the prevalence of reflux in this patient population.
This was a retrospective cohort study of CF patients that underwent lung transplantation at a tertiary referral center.
Lung transplant candidates with CF were less likely than those with other chronic lung diseases to undergo reflux testing. Pre-transplant reflux testing identified high prevalence of pathologic reflux in CF. Reflux testing was associated with decreased risk of chronic rejection.
Pre-transplant reflux testing revealed high prevalence of pathologic reflux in CF patients and was associated with decreased risk of chronic lung allograft dysfunction.
Systemic reflux testing may improve lung transplant outcomes in the CF population. Future research should focus on the implementation of standardized reflux evaluation and timely reflux management in lung transplantation, and its impact on transplant outcomes, particularly in patients with CF.