Progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in native lungs after single lung transplantation

This retrospective, single-center study was conducted to assess the response of native idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) lungs to a potent cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive regimen in single-lung transplantation recipients. The study included IPF patients who had undergone single-lung transplantation and had chest CT scans before and after transplantation. Five patients underwent single-lung transplantation for IPF between April 1992 and January 2001, and met entry criteria. All patients were placed on an immunosuppressive regimen consisting of prednisone, azathioprine, and cyclosporine. In two of the five patients, ground glass attenuation in the native IPF lung improved post-transplantation. However, fibrotic changes progressed in all five patients. In patients with advanced IPF, a potent cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive regimen is not likely to have an effect on the progression of the disease.