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Pregnancy and Lung Transplantation

  • Women's Health and Lung Disease (A Kumar, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this article, we review the impact of pregnancy in lung transplant recipients. Specifically, we discuss maternal, fetal, and allograft outcomes. Furthermore, we highlight important considerations for management of pregnancy in these patients.

Recent Findings

Improved survival after lung transplantation means more women of childbearing age; many of them with cystic fibrosis may be able to consider pregnancy. Despite the high number of live births, these pregnancies remain at risk for hypertensive disorders, graft rejection, postpartum graft loss, preterm birth, maternal, and neonatal mortality. Furthermore, data on the fetal effects of standard immunosuppressive regimens used in lung transplant recipients is lacking. A detailed discussion regarding these complications and gaps in knowledge is critical during pre-pregnancy counseling. Despite these hurdles, carefully planned pregnancies with close monitoring and management by multidisciplinary teams can be successful.

Summary

In selected patients, planned pregnancy after lung transplantation, albeit high risk for maternal and fetal complications, is feasible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

    Suneeta Gadre

  2. Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue A-90, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Shruti K. Gadre

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All authors have participated in review of the literature, data analysis, and critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content and final approval of the manuscript submitted.

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Correspondence to Shruti K. Gadre.

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All reported studies/experiments with human or animal subjects performed by the authors have been previously published and complied with all applicable ethical standards (including the Helsinki declaration and its amendments, institutional/national research committee standards, and international/national/institutional guidelines).

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Gadre, S., Gadre, S.K. Pregnancy and Lung Transplantation. Curr Pulmonol Rep 10, 62–70 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13665-021-00274-2

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