Adults who require lung transplants due to severe COVID-19 complications appear to have strong survival rates, according to NHLBI-supported research that published in JAMA. In this study, 30 patients who received a lung transplant due to COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome survived and were living about a year after the operation.
As part of this retrospective review, researchers analyzed 102 people receiving a lung transplant between Jan. 21, 2020 - Sept. 30, 2021. In addition to following the 30 COVID-19 patients, the researchers followed 72 other patients receiving a transplant for advanced lung disease. Common conditions among these patients included interstitial lung disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Distinct characteristics emerged between the two groups. Adults receiving lung transplants following COVID-19 complications had longer operating times, were more likely to need multi-organ support, and had longer recovery times. They also had stronger survival rates. Patients in the COVID-19 group were alive after 351 days compared to 60/72 patients (83%) in the non-COVID-19 group, who were followed for about 488 days.
In a corresponding commentary, the authors explain more research is necessary to capture long-term survival rates for COVID-19-related lung transplants. They also shared that the average 30-day survival rate in the U.S. for any type of lung transplant is around 98%. Survival rates change to about 90% after one year, 75-78% after three years, and 60-70% after five years.