Why is a lung transplant recommended?
Lung transplantation is a treatment option for children and young adults with severe cystic fibrosis (CF), with end-stage lung disease, and other chronic lung diseases. CF is the most common underlying disease that may require a lung transplant among children, adolescents, and young adults. Some of the other diseases that may require a lung transplant among this population include the following: • bronchopulmonary dysplasia or chronic lung disease, CLD (this is a general term for long-term respiratory problems in premature babies resulting from lung injury to babies who must use a mechanical ventilator and oxygen for breathing) • pulmonary hypertension (increased pressure in the arteries of the lungs) • heart disease or heart defects affecting the lungs (may require a heart-lung transplant) • pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung) Lung transplants can now be performed in all ages – from newborn to adult. Your child’s physician will discuss the lung transplant selection criteria with
