Objective To analyze the changes of postoperative pulmonary function in lung transplant recipients. Methods Clinical data of 81 recipients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation and combined heart-lung transplantation were collected, and postoperative status of the recipients was analyzed. Pulmonary ventilation and diffusion function indexes at 1 month, 3 months, every 3 months (3-18 months after lung transplantation) and every 6 months (18-36 months after lung transplantation) were analyzed in the recipients. The characteristics of the optimal pulmonary function in the recipients were assessed. Results Postoperative mechanical ventilation time was 4 (2, 9) d, and the length of postoperative ICU stay was 10 (7, 20) d. Among 81 recipients, 27 recipients developed primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after lung transplantation, with an incidence rate of 33%. Postoperative forced vital capacity (FVC) to predicted value ratio (FVC%pred), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) to predicted value ratio (FEV₁%pred), FEV₁/FVC to predicted value ratio (FEV₁/FVC%pred) and corrected diffusion lung capacity for CO to predicted value ratio (D_LCOc%pred) were changed over time (all P<0.001). FVC%pred and FEV₁%pred were gradually increased within postoperative 9 months, and D_LCOc%pred was gradually elevated within postoperative 3 months (all P<0.05). Thirty-six recipients had FVC%pred≥80%, FEV₁%pred≥80% in 41 cases, FEV₁/FVC%pred≥92% in 76 cases, FVC%pred≤40% in 1 case and FEV₁%pred≤40% in 1 case, respectively. Sixteen recipients had D_LCOc%pred≥80%, corrected diffusion lung capacity for CO/alveolar volume to predicted value ratio (D_LCOc/V_A%pred) ≥80% in 63 cases, D_LCOc%pred≤40% in 4 cases and D_LCOc/V_A%pred≤40% in 1 case, respectively. Postoperative FVC%pred, FEV₁/FVC%pred and D_LCOc%pred in recipients with a primary disease of obstructive pulmonary disease were significantly higher than those in their counterparts with restrictive pulmonary disease (all P<0.05). Postoperative D_LCOc%pred in recipients with PGD was significantly lower than that in those without PGD (P<0.05). Conclusions Pulmonary ventilation function in lung transplant recipients reaches the optimal state and maintains a steady state at postoperative 9 months, and pulmonary diffusion function reaches a steady state at postoperative 3 months. Primary diseases and the incidence of PGD may affect postoperative pulmonary function.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare and yet serious central nervous system disorder due to JC viral infection.PML occurs predominantly in immunocompromised individuals, including solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.Clinically, SOT-related PML commonly presents as cognitive and behavioral impairments. Pathologically, PML is characterized by multifocal demyelinating lesions, with neuroimaging technique typically revealing white matter damage in the temporoparietal regions. Clinical diagnosis usually involves integrating clinical manifestations, cranial magnetic resonance imaging, and detection of JC virus in cerebrospinal fluid. Currently, specific medications for PML are lacking, and the treatment mainly relies on supportive care and immunomodulatory strategies. The prognosis of PML remains unfavorable, early diagnosis and enhanced adaptive immune responses are crucial for PML management in SOT recipients.

Objective To investigate the treatment on de novo donor specific antibody (dnDSA) mediated acute rejection after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 1 recipient with antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) early after lung transplantation was retrospectively analyzed. The process of diagnosis and treatment were assessed. Results The recipient underwent right lung transplantation due to systemic sclerosis-associated end-stage interstitial lung disease. Preoperatively, classⅠ panel reactive antibody (PRA) was positive (11%). No pretreatment was given before transplantation. Antithymocyte globulin induction therapy was delivered on the day of transplantation and postoperatively. The recipient was properly recovered early after transplantation. Chest tightness and shortness of breath occurred at postoperative 13 d, which were progressively worsened and rapidly progressed into type Ⅰ respiratory failure. Class Ⅰ PRA was increased to 58%, and dnDSA was observed at the loci of A24: 02. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was 2 110. According to the guidelines of International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, the recipient was diagnosed as possible AMR. After comprehensive treatment including plasmapheresis, protein A immunoadsorption, glucocorticoid pulse, rituximab and immunoglobulin intravenous drip, the PRA and DSA levels were gradually decreased, and the MFI of DSA was 0 at postoperative 20 d. Clinical condition of the recipient was gradually improved. The dyspnea was healed, shortness of breath was eased, respiratory failure was treated, and pulmonary effusion was gradually absorbed. At postoperative 45 d, the recipient was discharged after full recovery. During 1-year follow-up, the recipient was physically stable and obtained normal quality of life. Class Ⅰ PRA was 5%, and class Ⅱ PRA was negative. No DSA was noted. Conclusions Based on traditional drug therapy, supplement of protein A immunoadsorption therapy may effectively eliminate DSA from the circulating blood of the recipient and mitigate the damage of target organs. Ideal short- and long-term prognosis may be achieved. Traditional drug therapy combined with immunoadsorption may yield ideal efficacy in treating AMR after lung transplantation.

Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of 20% glucose solution in the treatment of adult diabetic patients with hypoglycemia.Methods:A non-randomized controlled paired design trial was conducted. The diabetes patients with hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 3.9 mmol/L) who were admitted to the department of endocrinology and metabolism of Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University from December 2020 to May 2021 were enrolled. When the patients developed hypoglycemia for the first time, 75 mL of 20% glucose solution was pumped intravenously at a constant speed within 15 minutes, which was named the 20% glucose solution group. When the patients had hypoglycemia again, 30 mL of 50% glucose solution was pumped intravenously at a constant speed within 3 minutes, which was named the 50% glucose solution group. If the blood glucose was still ≤ 3.9 mmol/L at 15 minutes of hypoglycemia treatment, or the patients were uncomfortable due to too fast drip speed, it should be terminated immediately. The hypoglycemia treatment should be handled according to the Chinese guidelines for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes (2020 edition). The peripheral blood glucose level and the range of increase at 15 minutes of treatment, the success rate of one treatment, the peripheral blood glucose values at 60 minutes after successful hypoglycemia treatment, the incidence of phlebitis and exudation after hypoglycemia treatment, and the pain of local blood vessels in patients with hypoglycemia treatment were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results:A total of 65 patients completed the treatment of hypoglycemia with 20% glucose solution and the success rate of one treatment was 100%. The peripheral blood glucose value at 15 minutes of hypoglycemia treatment was (8.30±1.37) mmol/L, and the increased range was (4.86±1.30) mmol/L. The peripheral blood glucose value at 60 minutes after successful hypoglycemia treatment was (6.96±1.48) mmol/L, which indicated that 20% glucose solution could effectively increase blood glucose. Among 65 patients, 32 patients had hypoglycemia again, who were treated with 50% glucose solution, and the success rate of one treatment was 100%. When patients who received 50% glucose solution for hypoglycemia formed a paired design with the first 20% glucose solution treatment, the results showed that there was no significant difference in the peripheral blood glucose value and the increased range in blood glucose at 15 minutes of hypoglycemia treatment between the 20% glucose solution and the 50% glucose solution groups [peripheral blood glucose (mmol/L): 8.20 (7.70, 9.70) vs. 8.30 (7.80, 8.80), increase in blood glucose (mmol/L): 4.96±1.39 vs. 4.70±1.32, both P > 0.05], indicating that the glucose changing at 15 minutes of hypoglycemia treatment with 20% glucose solution was similar to that with 50% glucose solution. The peripheral blood glucose value at 60 minutes after successful hypoglycemia treatment of 20% glucose solution group was significantly lower than that of 50% glucose solution group (mmol/L: 6.37±1.04 vs. 7.20±1.36, P < 0.01), which meant that the blood glucose tended to be more stable. There was no phlebitis and exudation after hypoglycemia treatment in both groups. The pain score of 20% glucose solution group was 0, however, 3 patients in 50% glucose solution group complained of local vascular pain, and the pain score was 1. Conclusions:20% glucose solution can effectively treat hypoglycemia in diabetic patients, which has the same curative effect as 50% glucose solution and much safer. It can be used in patients with severe hypoglycemia.

Acute cellular rejection (ACR) is a common complication after lung transplantation, which is mainly caused by the immune response of T lymphocytes recognizing the major histocompatibility complex on the cellular surface of grafts. It is currently considered as the main pattern of acute rejection. ACR is not only a direct cause of death of recipients, but also a high-risk factor for chronic rejection after lung transplantation. Nevertheless, it is a challenging task to deliver the diagnosis and treatment of ACR following lung transplantation. In this article, new progresses on the risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of ACR in lung transplant recipients were summarized, aiming to improve the diagnostic and treatment efficiency of ACR and prolong the survival of recipients.

Objective To analyze the risk factors and clinical prognosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) early after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 155 recipients undergoing lung transplantation or combined heart-lung transplantation were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into the AKI group (n=104) and non-AKI group (n=51) according to the 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes Clinical Practice Guideline. The incidence of AKI early after lung transplantation was summarized. The main indexes of recipients were collected. The risk factors of the occurrence of AKI early after lung transplantation were subjected to univariate and multivariate analysis. The clinical prognosis of lung transplant recipients was evaluated and the survival curve was delineated. Results The incidence of AKI early after lung transplantation was 67.1%(104/155), including 47 recipients with stage 1 AKI, 34 recipients with stage2 AKI and 23 recipients with stage 3 AKI, respectively. Sixteen recipients required continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) early after lung transplantation. Preoperative complication with diabetes mellitus, preoperative complication with pulmonary hypertension, intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 60 mmHg, intraoperative massive blood transfusion, and treatment with excessive therapeutic concentration of tacrolimus (Tac) within postoperative 1 week were the independent risk factors for the occurrence of AKI early after lung transplantation. Up to the end of follow-up, 66 recipients (42.6%) died, including 50 recipients in the AKI group and 16 recipients in the non-AKI group. The cumulative survival rate in the AKI group was significantly lower than that in the non-AKI group (40% vs. 66%, P < 0.05). With the increase of AKI severity, the cumulative survival rate of lung transplant recipients was decreased. Conclusions AKI develops early after lung transplantation with high incidence and poor clinical prognosis. Preoperative complication with diabetes mellitus and pulmonary hypertension, intraoperative MAP < 60 mmHg and massive blood transfusion, and treatment with excessive therapeutic concentration of Tac within postoperative 1 week are the independent risk factors for the occurrence of AKI early after lung transplantation.

Objective To analyze the dynamic changes and the influencing factors of T lymphocyte subsets in recipients with stable graft status within 1 year after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 41 recipients with stable graft status after allogeneic lung transplantation were analyzed. The absolute value and ratio of T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood from recipients were measured by flow cytometry before operation, 2 weeks and each month (within 1 year) after operation, respectively. The effects of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), surgical method, incidence of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after operation, and primary disease upon the absolute values of T lymphocytes were evaluated. Results Within 1 year after lung transplantation, the absolute values of CD3⁺, CD3⁺CD4⁺, CD3⁺CD8⁺T lymphocytes and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio were changed over time (all P < 0.001). Compared with preoperative values, there was no statistical significance in the absolute values of CD3⁺ and CD3⁺CD4⁺T lymphocytes at 12 months after operation (P=0.659, 0.109), whereas the absolute value of CD3⁺CD8⁺T lymphocytes was increased (P=0.02) and the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio was decreased (P < 0.001). Age, gender, BMI, surgical method and incidence of PGD after operation exerted no significant effect on the dynamic changes of absolute values of CD3⁺CD4⁺ and CD3⁺CD8⁺T lymphocytes (all P > 0.05). Primary disease before lung transplantation exerted no effect on the changes of CD3⁺CD4⁺T lymphocytes, whereas the postoperative absolute value of CD3⁺CD8⁺T lymphocytes was higher in recipients with infectious lung diseases (P < 0.05). Conclusions The absolute values of CD3⁺, CD3⁺CD4⁺, CD3⁺CD8⁺T lymphocytes in recipients with stable graft status after lung transplantation are relatively low in the early stage after lung transplantation, then gradually restore, and stabilize at 6 months after operation. Dynamic changes are not associated with age, gender, BMI, surgical method and incidence of PGD after operation of recipients.

Objective:To explore the clinical manifestations and imaging features of nocardia infection (NI) after lung transplantation and boost the diagnosis and treatment of NI.Methods:From January 2018 to December 2019, basic profiles, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, imaging features and treatment outcomes of 5 lung transplant recipients with a diagnosis of NF were retrospectively analyzed and summarized with the relevant literatures. There were 4 males and 1 female with a median age of 66(26-69) years. 3 patients were single-lung transplantation, 2 patients were bilateral-lung transplantation. The median time from an initial diagnosis of NI to lung transplant surgery was 6(5-19) months. Common symptoms included fever, cough with yellow phlegm and shortness of breath. Laboratory findings showed lymphopenia, significantly high C-reactive protein levels, a slight elevation of procalcitonin, hypoproteinemia and anemia. The major manifestations of high-resolution computed tomography (CT) included multiple nodules, consolidation, cavitation and pleural effusion.Results:Five strains of N. farcinica were identified from bloodstream infection ( n=2) and pulmonary infection ( n=3). After with a combined therapy of two sensitive agents, all patients improved and were discharged from hospital. During follow-ups, one patient died and the remainders were cured. Conclusions:Nocardia infection occurs in lung transplant recipients mostly within 1 year post-operation. There are non-specific symptoms and imaging features of multiple nodules and consolidation. Combination therapy of sensitive agents is indicated for lung transplant recipients with NI.

Objective:To explore the incidence, clinical characteristics and prognosis of invasive pulmonary fungal infection(IPFI)in recipients of lung transplantation(LT)in southern China.Methods:From January 2003 to August 2019, retrospective analysis was performed for 300 recipients of lung transplantation at three hospitals in southern China. There were 254 males and 46 females with an average age of (54.98±14.2)years. Clinical data were collected from medical records, including symptoms and signs, imaging studies, bronchoscopy examination, pathogen separation and culture from deep sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), fungal-related laboratory tests and tissue pathology.Results:Among 300 cases, 93(31.0%)had at least one episode of IPFI. The most common pathogen was aspergillosis(60.2%), followed by candida(15 cases, 16.1%)and Pneumocystis jeroveci (13 cases, 14.0%). Kaplan Meier analysis indicated that all-cause mortality was significantly higher in IPFI group than that in non-IPFI(nIPFI)group with one-year mortality of 45.2% vs. 26.7% in IPFI and nIPFI groups respectively( P<0.05). Conclusions:IPFI is prevalent after LT in southern China. And aspergillosis is the most common pathogen and Candida comes the next. The median occurring time for aspergillosis is 6 months after LT. Candida infection occurs earlier at airway anastomosis. A higher incidence of invasive fungal disease(IFD)associated with a lower survival indicates that IPFI has a substantial mortality among recipients after LT. Prophylactic agents should be optimized based upon an epidemiologically likely pathogen.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Wanfu-Qutong Decoction combined with esomeprazole in the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Methods:A total of 106 CAG patients who met the inclusion criteria from June 2017 to June 2019 were randomly divided into two groups with 53 in each group. The control group took esomeprazole magnesium enteric coated tablets, and the observation group took Wanfu-Qutong Decoction on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated continuously for 3 months. TCM syndrome score was performed before and after treatment, and the new Sydney system intuitive simulation score method was used to score the histopathology of gastric mucosa. The levels of gastrin 17 (G-17), pepsinogen (PGⅠ , PGⅡ) and the PG Ⅰ/Ⅱ were measured by ELISA. Results:The total effective rate was 96.2% (51/53) in the observation group and 79.2% (42/53) in the control group. There was significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=7.414, P<0.01). After treatment, the scores of epigastric pain, fullness, liking temperature and pressing, vomiting clear water, eating less and staying foolish, and limb burnout in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t values were 2.788, 3.632, 3.816, 1.590, 2.183, 2.103, respectively, all Ps<0.05), and the scores of chronic inflammatory reaction, inflammatory activity, atrophy degree, dysplasia and intestinal metaplasia in the mucosa were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t values were 2.983, 2.106, 2.106, 3.773, 1.922, 3.095, respectively, all Ps<0.05). After treatment, the serum G-17 [(14.47 ± 3.06) pmol/L vs. (10.67 ± 2.47) pmol/L, t=10.510] and PG Ⅰ [(130.31 ± 14.79) μg/L vs. (102.36 ± 12.63) μg/L, t=8.178] and PG Ⅰ/Ⅱ [(10.45 ± 0.48) vs. (9.17 ± 0.72), t=2.104] in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.01 or P<0.05). Conclusion:Wanfu-Qutong Decoction combined with esomeprazole tablets can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of CAG patients, regulate the levels of G-17, PG Ⅰ , PG Ⅱ and PGⅠ/Ⅱ, and promote the repair of gastric mucosa.