A single center Israeli experience in pregnancy post lung transplantation: Feasibility of successful two or more full-term pregnancies in individual lung transplant recipients

Abstract

Introduction: Female lung transplant recipients (LTRs) of reproductive age are increasingly considering pregnancy due to advances in post-transplant management and improved survival. We report our experience with pregnancy in LTRs, with an emphasis on two or more successful full-term pregnancies in individual transplant recipients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of pregnancies in LTRs at our transplant center and collected maternal and fetal outcomes.

Results: In our patient cohort, eight female LTRs conceived a total of 17 pregnancies, resulting in 13 newborns, 12 at full term, and 11 with a birth weight > 2.5 kg. Three of the LTRs had two or more successful full-term pregnancies. LTRs required a significant tacrolimus dose increase to maintain target trough levels during pregnancy. Six recipients are currently clinically stable and active, three with lung function comparable to pre-pregnancy values, and three with evidence of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), but stable lung function. Two of the eight LTRs died subsequent to childbirth secondary to chronic respiratory failure due to CLAD, at a mean of 11 years post-transplantation and a mean of 4.5 years after childbirth.

Conclusion: Pregnancy following lung transplantation is feasible and can be achieved with acceptable maternal and newborn outcomes. Importantly, LTRs can successfully have two or more full-term pregnancies.

Keywords: lung transplant recipients; outcomes; pregnancy.