The Lung Transplant Patient in Your ED

• Infections are the most common reason for ICU admission in lung transplant patients.
• Not surprisingly, healthcare-aquired pneumonia is the most common infection seen in lung transplant recipients.
• In contrast to non-transplant patients, gram-negative bacteria (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa) are the most common pathogens.
• Be sure to include antimicrobial coverage for Pseudomonas in your lung transplant patients presenting to the ED with pneumonia.

References

Welte T, et al. Ten tips for the intensive care management of transplanted lung patients. Intensive Care Med. 2019; 45:371-3.