Introduction
Previous studies demonstrated that increased cytokine and chemokine levels, either shortly before or after lung transplantation, were associated with post‐transplant outcome. However, small patient cohorts were mostly used, focusing on 1 molecule and 1 outcome. In a large single‐center cohort, we investigated the predictive value of immediate post‐operative broncho‐alveolar lavage (BAL) expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8 on multiple key outcomes, including PGD, CLAD, graft survival, as well as several secondary outcomes.
Material and methods
All patients undergoing a first lung transplant in whom routine bronchoscopy with BAL was performed during the first 48 hours post‐transplantation were included. IL‐6 and IL‐8 protein levels were measured in BAL via ELISA.
Results
A total of 336 patients were included. High IL‐6 levels measured within 24 hours of transplantation were associated with longer time on ICU and time to hospital discharge; and increased prevalence of PGD grade 3. Increased IL‐8 levels, measured within 24 hours, were associated with PGD3, more ECMO use, higher donor paO2, younger donor age, but not with other short‐or long‐term outcome. IL‐6 and IL‐8 measured between 24 and 48 hours of transplantation were not associated with any outcome parameters.
Conclusion
Recipient BAL IL‐6 and IL‐8 within 24 hours post‐transplant were associated with an increased incidence of PGD3.