Reflux and allograft dysfunction: is there a connection?

Despite improving outcomes following lung transplantation, chronic rejection continues to limit survival. The predominant form of chronic rejection, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, has been associated with multiple etiologies including aspiration from gastroduodenal reflux. This article reviews the current literature with regards to the incidence of reflux following lung transplantation, the association of reflux with allograft dysfunction and survival, and the success of prevention and treatment of reflux in this patient population. Although antireflux surgery has been demonstrated to be safe in this population and leads to a stabilization of lung function in patients with reflux, there have not been definitive data that it improves survival.