Comparison of lung function, functional capacity and performance status after lung transplantation with and without EVLP: a retrospective pilot study

<bold>Background and aims:</bold> Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) to recondition marginal donor lungs has been performed in the Erasmus MC since 2018. Studies on clinical effects of EVLP are scarce. This study compares lung function, functional capacity and Karnofsky performance score (KPS) in patients 6 months after LTX with and without EVLP. We also assessed association between KPS, lung function and functional capacity. <bold>Methods:</bold> Seventy-eight patients who received LTX between 2018-2020 were included: EVLP (n=12) with ILD (50%), COPD (50%) vs. non-EVLP (n=66) with ILD (50%), COPD (33,3%) and other (16,7%). Examined parameters were: FEV1, (F)VC, DLCO,TLC and 6MWD (all in %predicted) and KPS based on assessment by the physician. Non- parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. <bold>Results:</bold> No significant intergroup differences were found in demographics except for BMI. Median (IQR) FEV1%pred differed significantly between EVLP; 89,0 (76,3- 101,0) and non-EVLP; 76,0 (61,0- 89,5), p=0,045. (F)VC, DLCO,TLC,6MWD and KPS did not differ between the groups. Between KPS categories significant differences were found in FEV1%pred (p= 0,032), 6MWD%pred (p=0,037) and DLCO%pred (figure1). <bold>Conclusions:</bold> FEV1%pred was significantly higher in the EVLP-group. A higher KPS indicates a better lung function and functional capacity. Future research in a larger cohort is needed. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/OA4589/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>