Post-Transplant Diarrhea is Associated with Increased Rejection in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective Review
Abstract Background: Diarrhea causes significant morbidity among solid organ transplant recipients. It is well described in liver and kidney transplant recipients, yet data among lung transplant (LTx) recipients is lacking. The primary aim of this study was to characterize diarrhea in LTx recipients. Methods: A retrospective review was performed for all patients undergoing LTx at our tertiary care hospital between 01/2011 and 02/2019. Patient demographics, type of LTx, and transplant indication were noted. Electronic medical records (EMR) were reviewed for the development of diarrhea (defined by clinical assessment and after obtaining diagnostic studies). Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI) was determined by PCR testing. LTx rejection was determined by board-certified Pulmonologists as documented in the EMR. Results: A total of 564 patients (66.3% male, mean age 64.4 ± 8.8 years) underwent LTx during the 8-year study period, with 289 patients (51.2%) experiencing post-LTx diarrhea. The most commonly identified etiologies of diarrhea were medication-induced (33.6%) and CDI (15.6%). Among patients with medication-induced diarrhea, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was the most common offending agent (33.3%). Diarrhea and age were significantly associated with increased LTx rejection rates in multivariate analysis (Diarrhea OR=2.26, 95% CI=1.48-3.45; Age OR=0.98, 95% CI=0.95-1.0).Conclusions: Diarrhea is common in LTx recipients, with medication-induced diarrhea being the most common etiology. Diarrhea and younger age were associated with an increased risk of LTx rejection. Recognizing the causes of diarrhea in LTx recipients is important for early diagnosis and treatment, leading to greater quality of life and improved graft function.