Experience of the first lung transplantation performed in public sector in India

Silica-associated lung disease in developing countries

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There is a considerable burden of silica-associated lung diseases in the developing world. This review summarizes the epidemiology of these diseases, especially silicosis and silico-tuberculosis, mitigative efforts and treatment, especially in the context of developing countries.

RECENT FINDINGS

In 2017, the highest incidence of silicosis was in China, India and Brazil among the developing countries. The prevalence of silicosis amongst exposed workers may vary from 4 to 55%; there is a risk of underestimation because of the 'healthy worker effect'. The permissible exposure limit for respirable silica adopted by governments in developing countries remains higher than the proposed 0.025 mg/m3. Silica exposure in informal or unorganized industries is challenging, as it falls outside statutory controls. Recent efforts on regulation and compensation by various governments in developing countries are encouraging but need proper implementation on the ground. Biomarkers such as club cell protein 16 and imaging methods such as computed tomography may offer earlier and easier detection of silicosis. Advanced silicosis remains incurable; novel treatments such as antifibrotics agents may be potentially effective.

SUMMARY

Silica-associated lung diseases are prevalent in developing countries. Efforts directed at preventing or minimizing exposure to respirable crystalline silica are required for mitigation.

The evolution of lung transplantation in India and the current scenario

Lung transplantation has come of age in India. This article aims to trace the evolution of lung transplantation in India from its humble beginnings in 1999 to the current scenario spanning a period of 22 years. Right from the passing of the Act legalising deceased organ transplantation, its amendments and rules—to the development of transplant regulatory bodies—both at national and state levels, the journey thus far has been chronicled. Description of the initial cases at sporadic centres which has now proliferated to many centres now across many states has been elaborated on. The impacts on evolution of lung transplantation by the governmental transplant organisations, non-governmental organisations, and the medical professional societies are described. Publications related to lung transplantation from India are mentioned. Situations specific to India, current scenario of lung transplantation, and future directions are discussed. A brief mention of our experience with lung transplantation has also been made.

Lung transplant programs in developing countries: challenges, solutions, and outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The majority of lung transplants (LT) performed are in developed countries. In contrast, little is known about the status of LT in developing nations. The objective is to summarize the challenges, present solutions, and review outcomes of LT in developing countries. We hope this review will guide healthcare providers in such countries that are contemplating embarking on this journey.

RECENT FINDINGS

The key challenges that programs in developing countries encountered included shortage and marginal quality of donated organs, lack of dedicated multi-disciplinary LT team, limited availability of advanced technology and high risk of post-transplant infections. Education and collaboration among government, public, and healthcare sectors was seen as fundamental to building and maintaining a successful program. Despite minimal resources and huge challenges, LT survival rates in developing countries improved and were comparable with outcomes reported by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) Registry.

SUMMARY

Starting a new LT program is a daunting task that is complex and resource intensive, especially in developing countries. Improving outcomes indeed provide impetus to continue to persevere in this endeavor with support from all sectors. The findings presented here could help new programs to better anticipate and tackle challenges.

Underutilization of potential donors for lung transplantation at a tertiary care center in North India

Objective:

Lung transplantation is infrequently performed in India due to several constraints, and whether the poor lung transplantation rates in India are due to a lack of eligible lung donors is unclear. In this study, we explored the availability of donors for lung transplantation.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of all brain-dead participants who underwent assessment of eligibility for lung donation between August 2015 and June 2018. All participants underwent a detailed clinical evaluation that included history, physical examination, arterial blood gas analysis, chest radiograph, and bronchoscopy. The final eligibility for lung donation was assessed using the existing “ideal” criteria and the less stringent “extended” criteria.

Results:

A total of 55 brain-dead participants (41 [74.5%] males) were assessed for eligibility for lung donation. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of the participants was 38.4 (17.2) years. The mean (SD) duration of prior invasive mechanical ventilation at the time of assessment was 4 (3.1) days, with a mean (SD) partial pressure of arterial oxygen: inspired oxygen fraction ratio (PaO₂:FiO₂) of 326.6 (153.5). The proportion of participants who were found suitable for lung donation was 16 (29.1%) and 35 (63.6%) on employing the ideal and the extended criteria, respectively. Inadequate oxygenation status, abnormal chest radiograph, and sepsis were the most common reasons for excluding participants using either criteria. Despite the availability of adequate lung donors, only one lung transplantation could be performed.

Conclusion:

Even with the most stringent criteria for lung assessment, nearly one-third of the brain-dead participants had lungs suitable for lung transplantation. Lack of eligible lung donors is not a reason for the poor lung transplantation rates in India.