Cytokine filtration in lung transplantation - National Swedish Study (GLUSorb)

Despite improvements in lung transplantation (LTx), primary graft dysfunction (PGD) remains the leading cause of early mortality and precipitates chronic lung allograft dysfunction, the chief factor of late mortality.

PGD develops within the first 72 hours and impairs the oxygenation capacity of the lung, measured as partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F ratio). Increasing the P/F ratio is thus critical and has a direct impact on survival. Yet, treatments for PGD are lacking.

We have successfully tested cytokine filtration in a proof-of-concept pre-clinical LTx study, where it improved oxygenation and decreased PGD, and in a clinical feasibility study (NCT05242289) in LTx patients.This Swedish national study of 100 patients undergoing LTx will examine whether cytokine filtration improves lung function, and thus outcomes, after LTx:Population: Patients who undergo LTx in Sweden Intervention: Cytokine filtration in conjunction with LTx Comparison: LTx with no cytokine filtrationOutcomes: Primary outcome: Oxygenation ratio, defined as the lowest P/F ratio within 72 h after LTxSecondary outcomes: Lung diffusion capacity, lung function, kidney function, lung infiltrates and oedema, incidence and severity of PGD, quality of life, 2-year survival and adverse events.We believe that cytokine filtration will improve successful LTx rates, revolutionising lung transplant care and increasing survival.