Lung Transplantation for Cystic Fibrosis

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) present a variety of unique challenges due to the many pulmonary and extrapulmonary comorbidities that may be present, along with chronic infection from a variety of resistant pathogens. Early referral to one or more lung transplant centers is recommended given the variability in candidate criteria among centers to allow for identification of modifiable barriers to transplantation and to lay the foundation for a smooth transition of care from the CF center to the lung transplant center. Early engagement of a lung transplant center also facilitates timely listing of CF patients to avoid delays in care and unnecessary waitlist mortality should life-threatening pulmonary complications arise.