What are the general indications for lung transplantation?
The general indication is end-stage lung disease without alternative forms of therapy. Patients should be below 60 years of age and should have a life expectancy of less than 12 or 18 months; they should not have an underlying cancer or other serious systemic illness. The most common lung diseases are pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema (particularly alpha 1 -antitrypsin deficiency), bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis and primary pulmonary hypertension. What is the role of nutrition in COAD? Undernutrition is associated with reduced respiratory muscle function and an increased mortality rate. A high dietary intake of n-3 fatty acids may protect cigarette smokers against COAD. Mention some newer treatments for COAD. · Antagonists of inflammatory mediators: 5-1ipoxygenase inhibitors, leukotriene B4 antagonists, interleukin-8 antagonists, tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and antioxidants. · Protease inhibitors: neutrophil elastase inhibitors, cathepsin inhibitors, non-selective matrix metalloprot
