A Smoker’s Lung May Be Better Than No Lung in Transplant Situations

Someone likely to die from lung diseases may be better off taking a donated lung from a former smoker than taking no lung at all, according to a recent British study. They may not live as long as those who get a transplant from a nonsmoker, but even with a smoker’s lung, the patient will still likely survive beyond what they would have without a lung at all.

The study found that patients who got lungs from smokers were about 46% more likely to die within three years after getting replacement lungs compared to thos who got non-smoking lungs. But they also had a 21% lower chance of dying versus those still on the waiting list for a lung.

Patients retain the right to refuse lungs from smokers, so the lungs should still be available to give patients the option if no other lungs are available.

See Lung Transplant From Smoker Better Thank Staying on Waiting List, CBS New healthpop, May 29, 2012.