Lung transplantation: still timely in multiple sclerosis

The only solution: Despite significant progress in the management of patien ts with multiple sclerosis, lung transplantation remains the only, chance f or survival in those with severe respiratory failure. Waiting list inclusion criteria: Lung function tests, the patientis general states and psychological and familiar factors all contribute to determinin g inscription on lung transplantation waiting lists. Technical aspects: Heart-lung, monoblock two-lung and sequential two-lung t ransplantations are detailed according to the respective advantages and dis advantages. Results: Hospital mortality is about 5% and 5-year survival about 50%. Howe ver, only 10% of the patients on waiting lists due to the lack of organs su rvive for 2 years. Perspectives: The number of grafts must be increased by developing lobular grafts from live donors using the bipartition technique Nevertheless, xenog rafts remain the most promising perspective for increasing the number of pa tients who can benefit from this therapy.