Psychosocial situation and physical health in 50 patients > 1 year after lung transplantation

Depressive symptoms in lung transplant recipients: trajectory and association with mortality and allograft dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

Most studies observing an association between depressive symptoms following lung transplantation and mortality are limited to depressive symptom measurement at a single time point, unrelated to allograft function. We aimed to test the association of depressive symptoms over multiple assessments with allograft dysfunction and with mortality.

METHODS

We assessed depressive symptoms before and serially up to 3 years after lung transplantation in lung transplant recipients. We quantified depressive symptoms with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS; range 0-15; minimally important difference (MID): 2). We quantified changes in GDS using linear mixed effects models and tested the association with mortality using Cox proportional hazards models with GDS as a time-dependent predictor. To determine if worsening in GDS preceded declines in lung function, we tested the association of GDS as a time-dependent predictor with the lagged outcome of FEV₁ at the following study visit.

RESULTS

Among 266 participants, depressive symptoms improved early after transplantation. Worsening in post-transplant GDS by the MID was associated with mortality (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.50), and in lagged outcome analyses with decreased per cent predicted FEV₁ (Δ, -1.62%, 95% CI -2.49 to -0.76). Visual analyses of temporal changes in GDS demonstrated that worsening depressive symptoms could precede chronic lung allograft dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms generally improve after lung transplantation. When they worsen, however, there is an association with declines in lung function and mortality. Depression is one of the few, potentially modifiable, risk factors for chronic lung allograft dysfunction and death.

Is social support associated with post-transplant medication adherence and outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although social support is used to determine transplant eligibility, the relationship between social support, medication adherence, and survival among transplant recipients remains unclear. We estimated the relationship between social support and post-transplant medication adherence and outcomes using 10 electronic databases from inception to January 2016. Study quality was assessed and all review stages were conducted independently by 2 reviewers. Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Thirty-two studies (9102 participants) met inclusion criteria: 21 assessed medication adherence (5197 participants), and 13 assessed clinical outcomes (3905 participants). Among high quality studies, neither social support nor marital status was predictive of medication adherence or post-transplant outcomes. Social support was not associated with medication adherence. It was associated with superior post-transplant outcomes, but the relationship was not significant among high quality studies. Compared to unmarried recipients, married recipients were more likely to adhere to medication post-transplant, but this relationship was not significant among high quality studies. Marital status was not significantly associated with transplant success. Social support is weakly and inconsistently associated with post-transplant adherence and outcomes. Larger prospective studies using consistent and validated measures are needed to justify the use of inadequate social support as a contraindication to transplantation.

Psychiatric disorders and psychological distress in patients undergoing evaluation for lung transplantation: a national cohort study

OBJECTIVE

We sought to investigate type and prevalence of psychiatric disorders and psychological distress in patients being evaluated for lung transplantation.

METHODS

One hundred eighteen patients were assessed [74% with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)] with the MINI Neuropsychiatric Interview, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). Spirometry and the 6-min walk test (6MWT) assessed lung function with data subject to multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

Current and lifetime prevalence for mental disorders were 41.5% and 61.0% respectively, with anxiety (39.8% of patients), mood disorders (11.8%), and subsyndromal disorders (8.7%) identified. 15% of patients reported feelings of panic during the last week, 9% reported hopelessness, and 3% felt that life was not worth living. Statistically significant correlates were derived for HADS-depression with lung function (P=.0012) and 6MWT (P=.030) for the entire group (P=.012), and with lung function (P=.030) for COPD patients (P=.045), for whom higher chronic GHQ-scores correlated with poorer lung function (P=.009). In multivariate regression analysis, history of mental disorder was strongest predictor of current distress.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings underline the importance of assessing past, current, and sub-syndromal psychiatric disorders in addition to levels of distress in transplant candidates, with prospective studies needed to investigate impact on long-term outcome after transplantation.

Psychiatric Predictors of Long-term Transplant-Related Outcomes in Lung Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Long-term survival after lung transplantation remains poor, yet modifiable risk factors for late-term morbidity and mortality have yet to be identified. Because psychiatric disorders increase risk for poor health outcomes in many nontransplant chronic disease populations, lung recipients with depression or anxiety before or early after transplantation may be at heightened risk for late-term transplant-related morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

Among 178 patients from a prospective study of mental health after lung transplantation, we identified 1-year survivors and examined whether they experienced major depression or anxiety disorders during that year as well as before transplantation. We used multivariable Cox regression to examine the relationship between these disorders and risk for subsequent bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), mortality and graft loss for up to 15 years posttransplant, controlling for other known risk factors for the outcomes.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-five recipients were studied. Recipients with posttransplant depression had an elevated risk of BOS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.10-3.31), patient death (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.01-2.71) and graft loss (HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.06-2.88). A trend toward reduced risk of BOS was observed in recipients with posttransplant anxiety (HR, 0.61; 95%CI, 0.37-1.00). Neither pretransplant disorder was related to risk for any outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Early posttransplant depression increases risk for long-term transplant-related morbidity and mortality. Screening to identify depression should therefore be routine in posttransplant care. Although anxiety was not significantly associated with poor outcomes, screening for posttransplant anxiety should also be routine, to reduce patient distress. Research is needed to better understand mechanisms underlying depression-outcome associations.

A systematic review of health-related quality of life and psychological outcomes after lung transplantation

BACKGROUND

Lung transplantation (LTx) aims to reduce physical disability and mental distress, extend survival, and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In this systematic review we aimed to: (1) augment evidence regarding measures to assess HRQoL and psychological outcomes after LTx; and (2) summarize HRQoL and psychological outcomes after LTx.

METHODS

Validated and standardized instruments with well-known psychometric properties used for assessing HRQoL and psychological outcomes after LTx were identified by means of comprehensive literature searches of PsychINFO and Medline/PubMed, up through March 2014, using the following search terms in various combinations: lung transplantation; physical functioning; symptom experience; mental health; anxiety; depression; distress; social functioning; life satisfaction; and health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

The search strategy identified 371 titles and abstracts. Of these, 279 were retrieved for further assessment and 63 articles selected for final review. Thirty-nine studies were found for HRQoL, 15 for physical functioning, 5 for mental health and 4 for social functioning. A total of 50 psychometric instruments were encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable heterogeneity exists in methodology, operational concepts and applied outcome measures in the existing literature on HRQoL and psychological outcomes after LTx. Nevertheless, the studies generally point to significant improvements in both mental health and HRQoL post-transplant. Further research is warranted utilizing consistent outcome measures, including LTx-specific measures and longitudinal study designs.

Outcomes in lung transplantation after previous lung volume reduction surgery in a contemporary cohort

OBJECTIVES

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) provides palliation and improved quality of life in select patients with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The effect of previous LVRS on lung transplant outcomes has been inadequately studied. We report our experience in the largest single institution series of these combined procedures.

METHODS

The records of 472 patients with COPD undergoing lung transplantation or LVRS between 1995 and 2010 were reviewed. Outcomes of patients undergoing transplant after LVRS were compared with outcomes of patients undergoing transplant or LVRS alone. Survival was compared using log-rank tests and the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Demographics, comorbidities, and spirometry were similar at the time of transplantation. Patients who had undergone lung transplant after LVRS had longer transplant operative times (mean 4.4 vs 5.6 hours; P = .020) and greater hospital length of stay (mean 17.6 vs 29.1 days; P = .005). Thirty-day mortality and major morbidity were similar. Posttransplant survival was reduced for transplant after LVRS (median, 49 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 16, 85 months) compared with transplant alone (median, 96 months; 95% CI, 82, 106 months; P = .008). The composite benefit of combined procedures, defined as bridge from LVRS to transplant of 55 months and posttransplant survival of 49 months (total 104 months), was comparable with survival of patients undergoing either procedure alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung transplant after LVRS leads to minimal additional perioperative risk. The reduced posttransplant survival in patients undergoing combined procedures is in contradistinction to reports from other smaller series. When determining the best surgical treatment for patients with more severe disease, the benefit of LVRS before transplant should be weighed against the consequence of reduced posttransplant survival.

Psychosocial issues facing lung transplant candidates, recipients and family caregivers

Although lung transplantation is an accepted treatment for many individuals with severe lung disease, transplant candidates and recipients experience a range of psychosocial stressors that begin at the initiation of the transplant evaluation and continue throughout patients' wait for donor lungs, their perioperative recovery, and their long-term adjustment to posttransplant life. Transplant programs should strive to incorporate evidence-based interventions that aim to improve physical functioning, psychological distress, global quality of life, and medical adherence as well as to integrate symptom management and palliative care strategies throughout the pre- and posttransplantation course.

Psychiatric disorders as risk factors for adverse medical outcomes after solid organ transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Given that the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in transplant candidates and recipients is substantially higher than in the general population, and that linkages between psychiatric disorders and medical outcomes for nontransplant-related diseases have been established, it is important to determine whether psychiatric disorders predict posttransplant medical outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Most research has focused on the association between depression (both pretransplant and posttransplant) and posttransplant mortality. Some research has examined transplant-related morbidity outcomes, such as graft rejection, posttransplant malignancies, and infection. However, methodological limitations make it difficult to compare existing studies in this literature directly. Overall, the studies presented in this review indicate that psychiatric distress occurring in the early transplant aftermath bears a stronger relationship to morbidity and mortality outcomes than psychiatric distress occurring before transplant.

SUMMARY

The literature on the impact of psychiatric conditions on the morbidity and mortality of solid organ transplant recipients remains inconclusive. More research is needed in order to investigate these associations among a broader range of psychiatric predictors, morbidity outcomes, and recipient populations. Until evidence suggests otherwise, we recommend frequent monitoring of psychiatric symptoms during the first year after transplantation to aid in early identification and treatment during this critical period of adjustment.

Investigation of quality of life and relevant influence factors in patients awaiting lung transplantation

PURPOSE

To investigate the quality of life and influence factors in patients awaiting lung transplantation.

METHODS

Fifty five participants who waited for lung transplantation were enrolled and received multiple surveys including Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaires (SF-36), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Perceiving Social Support Scale (PSSS).

RESULTS

The subjects awaiting lung transplant scored ranging from (23.18±37.53) to (74.57±26.02) regarding SF-36, significantly lower than norms (p<0.01); they scored (48.09±9.06) and ( 52.18±9.98) in SAS and SDS respectively, which were significant higher compared with norms (p<0.01), the patients scored (5.56±1.04) regarding social total support factor in PSSS questionnaire, and the scores of family support factor was significantly higher than that of outside family support factor (p<0.05). Single factor analysis revealed that the factors affecting quality of life included monthly family per capita income, medical cost source, dyspnea, BMI, anxiety, depression, and social support (p<0.05). Multiple factor analysis screened dyspnea (p<0.001) and depression (p<0.05) as influence factors of quality of life in patients awaiting lung transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Affected by various factors, the quality of life in patients awaiting lung transplant surgery is relatively poor, among which dyspnea and depression are dominant influence factors. Therefore, clinicians should take psychological and physiological measures to effectively enhance the quality of life in patients awaiting lung transplantation.

The psychological assessment of candidates for reconstructive hand transplantation

Standardized psychological assessment of candidates for reconstructive hand transplantation (RHT) is a new approach in transplantation medicine. Currently, international guidelines and standardized criteria for the evaluation are not established. Patients suffering from the loss of a hand or an upper extremity have to cope with multiple challenges. For a selected group of patients, RHT represents an option for restoring natural function and for regaining daily living independence. The identification of at-risk patients and those requiring ongoing counseling due to poor coping or limited psychological resources are the primary focus of the psychological assessment. We have developed the 'Innsbruck Psychological Screening Program for Reconstructive Transplantation (iRT-PSP)' which utilizes a semi-structured interview and standardized psychological screening procedures and continuous follow-up ratings. Between January 2011 and October 2011, four candidates were evaluated using the iRT-PSP. Psychological impairments including social withdrawal, embarrassment, reduced self-esteem, and a depressive coping style were identified and poor quality of life was reported. The motivation for transplantation was diverse, depending on many factors such as bi- or unilateral impairment, native or accidental loss of hand, and social integration.

Both patient and caregiver gender impact depressive symptoms among organ transplant caregivers: who is at risk and why?

This study investigated the impact of patient and caregiver gender on caregiver depressive symptoms. Caregivers' use of relationship-focused coping and dimensions of caregiver burden were examined as potential mediators of gender differences in depressive symptoms. Ninety-three organ transplant candidates and their caregivers completed written questionnaires (N = 186). Females providing care to male patients reported significantly higher depressive symptoms than the other caregivers in our sample. Multiple mediation analyses revealed that less support from family members and a greater negative health impact of caregiving helped explain these gender differences. Women caring for men were also perceived as more overprotective, but this did not explain gender differences in depression. Results highlight the benefits of a contextual, dyadic approach to studying caregiver distress.

Interventional treatment options for advanced emphysema: imaging manifestations

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a preventable and treatable disease characterized by progressive and debilitating limitations of airflow. Despite aggressive medical therapy, many patients with advanced emphysema continue to decline and exhibit disabling symptoms. Lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplantation can offer improved quality of life, enhanced exercise tolerance, and improvement in mortality rates in selected patients with advanced disease. In addition, newer bronchoscopic techniques to reduce lung volume in patients with emphysema are under development in an effort to duplicate the results of lung volume reduction surgery without significant morbidity. This article discusses the results of a variety of surgical and bronchoscopic interventions, with an emphasis upon the role of imaging.

Cross-sectional assessment of daily physical activity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease lung transplant patients

BACKGROUND

Information about daily physical activity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) lung transplant patients is relevant for evaluation of the functional recovery of physical capacity after lung transplantation. The objective of this study was to cross-sectionally assess daily physical activity, pulmonary function, physical fitness, fear of physical activity and motivation to exercise in COPD patients who were lung transplant candidates and lung transplant recipients.

METHODS

Fifteen COPD lung transplant candidates (5 men and 10 women, mean age 53 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV(1)] 20% predicted) and 47 recipients (18 men and 29 women, mean age 55 years, FEV(1) 93% predicted, 39 bilateral and 8 unilateral transplants) were enrolled in this observational study. Daily physical activity was measured using a pedometer (Digiwalker SW-200) and the Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH). Physical fitness was measured by the sit-to-stand test and the arm curl test. Fear of physical activity and motivation to exercise were measured by the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-Dutch version Questionnaire and the Exercise Self-Regulation Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Mean (+/-SD) number of steps per day in lung transplant recipients was higher compared with transplant candidates: 6,642 (+/-2,886) and 1,407 (+/-1,166), respectively (p < 0.05). Number of steps per day correlated significantly with FEV(1) (r = 0.32, p = 0.03) and lower body strength (r = 0.45, p = 0.002) in lung transplant recipients. There was no significant difference in daily physical activity, physical fitness, fear and motivation between bi- and unilateral transplant recipients.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that lung transplantation improves daily physical activity, lower body strength and FEV(1).

Transplantation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Lung transplantation is a surgical option for patients who fail optimization of medical treatment for the severe symptoms that result from COPD. This review will discuss patient selection, transplant listing, and the surgical technique for transplantation in COPD. Furthermore, it will describe transplant outcomes and its effects on recipient survival, pulmonary function, exercise capacity, respiratory muscle function, and quality of life. The respective roles of transplantation and lung volume reduction surgery as therapies for advanced disease will be outlined.

Lung transplantation and lung volume reduction surgery versus transplantation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Lung transplantation and lung volume reduction surgery are surgical options for patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that is refractory to medical treatment. In this review, we discuss the differential indications for each procedure, as well as compare their risks and benefits. We also present an algorithm for selecting the most appropriate procedure for individual patients. Finally, we discuss the feasibility and role of lung transplantation after lung volume reduction surgery in the management of selected patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Depression After Lung Transplantation: Causes and Treatment

During the postoperative course of lung transplantation, patients may experience depressive symptoms that negatively influence their ability to cope with the new organ, their adherence to rehabilitation and pharmacologic therapy, and their overall quality of life (QoL). To date, no review has explored the causes of depression following transplantation or the efficacy and safety of therapeutic interventions in this patient group. We conducted a comprehensive 1966-2006 MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO search for studies of the causes and treatments of depression in lung transplant recipients. We identified 25 studies of variable methodologic quality. Depression rates are high among candidates for lung transplantation. In the short term, after surgery depressive symptoms remain low with an improvement in QoL, whereas in the long term (>3 years), the decline of functional status is associated with a dramatic increase in such symptomatology. Personality disorders, coping strategies, stressful life events, physical complications, corticosteroid medications, age, gender, and psychosocial support all play a central role in causing depressive states in lung transplant recipients. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and new-generation antidepressants (mirtazapine) represent the best therapeutic choices for this group of patients. The risk of serious drug-drug interactions should be carefully monitored by experienced clinicians. Complementary therapies and psychoeducational intervention also help recipients to strengthen their coping strategies, offering further advantages after transplantation. Additional well-conducted randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify the epidemiologic course of depression following lung transplantation and to tailor effective pharmacologic or psychological interventions accordingly.

Prevalence and impact of pain on the quality of life of lung transplant recipients: a prospective observational study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence and impact of pain on the quality of life (QOL) of lung transplant recipients.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

Prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Ninety-six lung transplant recipients (> 3 months after transplantation) completed questionnaires measuring the severity and impact of pain (Brief Pain Inventory), anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory), QOL (Short Form-36 version 2 [SF-36v2]), and depression (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]).

SETTING

University medical center lung transplant outpatient clinic.

RESULTS

The prevalence of pain in lung transplant recipients was 49%. Patients with pain were older, more likely to have undergone unilateral lung transplantation (64% vs 40%, p = 0.03), and were more likely to have lung emphysema (55% vs 38%, p = 0.004). Only a pulmonary diagnosis of lung emphysema remained an independent predictor for postoperative pain in a logistic regression model. Average (+/- SD) score of the BDI was 9.6 +/- 7.8 and 5.8 +/- 5.8 (p = 0.005) for patients with and without pain, respectively. Patients with and without pain did not significantly differ in terms of anxiety. Pain-free patients had a significantly higher physical component score than patients with pain in the SF-36v2 (mean, 48.7 +/- 8.6 vs 38.6 +/- 9.8, p < 0.0001, respectively), while the mental component scores were not statistically different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung transplant recipients have a high prevalence of pain. Patients with lung emphysema as their preoperative diagnosis are more likely to have pain. The occurrence of pain is associated with a decreased QOL in lung transplant recipients.

Psychosocial Issues in the Assessment and Management of Patients Undergoing Lung Transplantation

This review examines psychosocial issues among lung transplant patients from the time of assessment through the posttransplant period. Although psychological factors are recognized as being important in the transplant evaluation, no standard approach to psychological assessment currently exists. Lung transplant candidates often experience high levels of psychological distress while awaiting transplant, and both pretransplant and posttransplant psychological functioning have been found to predict posttransplant quality of life, adherence to treatment, and, in some cases, medical outcomes. Given the limited long-term survival following transplantation, improving psychosocial functioning is essential for enhancing outcomes among lung transplant recipients. This review summarizes the extant literature on the psychosocial factors in lung transplantation and highlights several innovative efforts to improve psychological outcomes in this challenging patient population.

Lung transplant recipients holding companion animals: impact on physical health and quality of life

Since lung transplant recipients are susceptible to infections and inhaled pollution, many centers warn against pets. However, data supporting this recommendation are lacking. Our program is less restrictive regarding pets. This study, for the first time, investigates the association of pets with physiological and psychological parameters in these patients. A questionnaire concerning pets was sent to 104 lung transplant recipients. Lung function tests, levels of exhaled nitric oxide (FE(NO)), need for antibiotic treatments and hospitalizations, creatinine clearance, body mass index (BMI) and demographic data were assessed. Additionally, the questionnaire of life satisfaction (FLZ), a question on summarized life satisfaction (LS), the life orientation test (LOT), the hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS) and the social support questionnaire (F-SozU) were assessed. Response rate was 86%. Fifty-two percent defined themselves as pet owners, whereas 48% did not. The two groups did not differ in demographic or physiological data. Significant differences in FLZ (79/65, p = 0.04), in LS (4.3/3.9, p = 0.01), LOT (32/29, p = 0.006) and F-SozU (4.5/4.2, p = 0.04) were found in favor of pet owners. In lung transplant recipients keeping pets the frequency of somatic complications is not higher compared to lung transplant recipients without pets. After lung transplantation, pets are associated with a better quality of life.