Exhaled Breath Particles as a Clinical Indicator for Acute and Chronic Rejection After Lung Transplantation

What this Trial Is About

Lung transplantation is currently the only effective treatment for people with end-stage lung disease, but survival rates remain low with a mean of five years. A major challenge after lung transplantation is primary graft dysfunction, which causes early death and contributes to chronic lung allograft dysfunction, the leading cause of late mortality. Detecting rejection earlier could improve treatment options and survival chances. Researchers have found that particles in exhaled breath can reflect lung lining fluid and may help monitor lung diseases and transplant rejection. This study collects samples of exhaled breath particles and measures the particle flow rate in lung transplant patients at Skåne University Hospital in Lund. Samples are taken repeatedly after transplantation while patients are in the hospital and at follow-up visits at 3, 6, and 12 months post-transplant and yearly thereafter. Blood samples are collected before the transplant and during follow-up, and additional lung fluid and tissue samples are taken during routine bronchoscopies. The study compares patients with and without lung transplant rejection to identify early signs and potential biomarkers. Participants will undergo regular measurements of exhaled breath particles and particle flow rates using a specialized system. Blood and lung fluid samples will be analyzed for proteins and other markers at various time points before and up to four years after transplantation. Researchers will monitor these markers over time to detect early rejection. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of lung transplant rejection by finding new, non-invasive indicators. Participation may last several years with ongoing follow-up assessments and sample collections.

Exhaled Breath Particles in Lung Transplantation