ABSTRACT
Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a common complication with varying levels of severity that occurs within the first 72 hours following lung transplantation. PGD afflicts between 10% and 30% of lung transplant recipients, and those with grade 3 PGD have a high attributable mortality at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year following lung transplantation. 1–10 In addition, PGD is associated with worse short- and long-term physical functioning and an increased risk for chronic lung allograft dysfunction. PGD is characterized clinically by impaired oxygenation, pulmonary edema, and radiographic evidence of diffuse pulmonary infiltrates in the absence of other identifiable causes. This review provides an update on current risk factors for PGD and summarizes studies focusing on the epidemiology, physiopathology, and molecular and genetic factors affecting PGD.
