Pregnancy in cystic fibrosis lung transplant recipients: Case series and review

Abstract 

A single centre experience of four pregnancies in four cystic fibrosis (CF) lung transplant recipients is reported. Six more cases were identified from the literature review and combined data analysis on 10 pregnancies in 10 CF lung transplant recipients was performed to determine maternal, foetal and graft outcome. There were nine live births and one therapeutic abortion. Three required caesarean sections. Five babies were premature but all nine children were well at follow-up. Five recipients who had a long, stable interval (i.e. at least three years) between transplant and pregnancy had a favourable outcome. Three recipients developed rejection during the pregnancy and one already had obliterative bronchiolitis before pregnancy. All showed progressive decline in lung function and subsequently died of chronic rejection within 38 months of delivery. Pregnancy in CF lung transplant recipients is feasible but should still be regarded as a risky undertaking.

Keywords: Cystic fibrosis, Pregnancy, Lung transplantation, Obliterative bronchiolitis, Rejection