Lung Transplantation for Cystic Fibrosis

Lung transplantation is a viable option for many patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and end-stage lung disease. Criteria for transplant in patients with CF vary widely among transplant centers in terms of acceptable comorbidities; referral to multiple centers may be necessary to maximize patient opportunity for this potentially life-prolonging intervention. Early referral is critical to patient education and modification of risk factors associated with worse outcomes. If transplant evaluation has been completed, patients with CF and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may remain viable candidates for transplant with outcomes comparable to other individuals with CF.