Sleep‐disordered breathing after lung transplantation: An observational cohort study

Data concerning sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) after lung transplantation (LTX) are scarce. This study aims to analyze prevalence, associated factors, and impact on survival of moderate to severe SDB in a large cohort of consecutive LTX patients (n = 219). Patients underwent a diagnostic polysomnography 1 year after LTX. Moderate to severe SDB was present in 57.5% of patients, with the highest prevalence in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema (71.1%) and pulmonary fibrosis (65.1%). SDB patients were older, mostly male, and had higher body mass index and neck circumference. Nocturnal diastolic and 24‐hour blood pressures were higher in SDB patients. In 45 patients, polysomnography was also performed pre‐LTX. Compared to pre‐LTX, mean apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) increased significantly after LTX. A significant correlation was seen between lung function parameters and AHI, suggesting a role of decreased caudal traction on the pharynx. Presence of SDB had no impact on mortality or prevalence of chronic lung allograft dysfunction. However, survival was better in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compliant SDB patients compared to SDB patients without CPAP treatment. These findings may be pertinent for systematic screening of SDB after LTX. At 1 year after transplantation, lung recipients have a high prevalence of moderate to severe sleep‐disordered breathing and, among affected recipients, good adherence to CPAP is associated with improved survival.