Place-based heterogeneity in lung transplant recipient outcomes

Abstract

Lung transplant (LT) is the definitive, life-saving intervention for patients with end-stage lung diseases and leads to a survival benefit. 1 While there have been many advances in clinical care, a gap in knowledge exists between LT outcomes and place-defined as a social or environmental area with meaning to a patient. LT recipients may be particularly vulnerable to place-based effects as lungs are directly and continuously exposed and susceptible to infection, pollution, and the environment. This vulnerability is exacerbated by lifelong immunosuppression where adherence and regular access to these medications can be disrupted by social stressors. [2][3][4] The association between place and transplant outcomes has been rigorously investigated in kidney transplantation which has