The Munich-LTX-Score: predictor for survival after lung transplantation

Huppmann P, Neurohr C, Leuschner S, Leuchte H, Baumgartner R, Zimmermann G, Meis T, von Wulffen W, Überfuhr P, Hatz R, Frey L, Behr J for the Munich Lung Transplant Group (MLTG). The Munich‐LTX‐Score: predictor for survival after lung transplantation.
Clin Transplant 2012: 26: 173–183.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: The purpose of this study was to create a prognostic score calculated one yr after LTX based on post‐transplant factors inclusive of donor and recipient characteristics that could be used to predict long‐term survival in patients after lung transplantation (LTX). Methods: Uni‐ and multivariate analysis in 206 consecutive LTX patients identified independent risk factors for post‐transplant mortality and onset of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Munich‐LTX‐Score is devised by summing up each identified risk factor. Results: Multivariate analyses revealed acute rejection, lymphocytic bronchiolitis, donor age ≥55 yr, and HLA‐A ≥ 2‐/DR ≥ 2 mismatch and single LTX to be independent negative predictors for long‐term survival (p < 0.05). Munich‐LTX‐Score identified three discrete groups: low‐, moderate‐, and high risk. The actuarial five‐yr survival after score calculation one yr after LTX of the entire cohort was 58%, compared with 91% in low‐, 54% in moderate‐, and 0% in the high‐risk group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Within our cohort of patients calculation of the Munich‐LTX‐Score, consisting of donor‐, recipient‐, and post‐transplant characteristics, one yr after LTX allowed to predict long‐term survival of lung transplant recipients. After prospective validation, this score could identify patients who may benefit from intensified surveillance after LTX.