The use of home spirometry in detecting acute lung rejection and infection following heart-lung transplantation.

The value of home spirometry in detecting acute lung rejection and opportunistic infections was studied in 15 heart-lung transplant recipients over a six-month period. The patients measured their FEV1 and FVC twice daily at home using a portable turbine spirometer. The records were then reviewed in relation to the results of transbronchial lung biopsy carried out during occurrences of respiratory symptoms and during routine posttransplant assessment. FEV1 and FVC fell by a mean (+/- SD) of 10.4 +/- 6.9 percent and 9.3 +/- 7.9 percent, respectively, during 20 episodes of lung rejection. The corresponding figures during opportunistic infections were 12.8 +/- 10.1 percent and 12.5 +/- 14.3 percent. No such change was observed during routine normal biopsies. Regular home spirometry offered early detection of these complications allowing early transbronchial lung biopsy as well as assessing efficacy of their therapy. Above all, measurements can be made daily, which is unique in the assessment of solid organ transplants.