Risk Factors That Increase the Chance of Developing Primary Graft Dysfunction After Lung Transplantation

July 20, 2026 updated by: University of Pennsylvania

Clinical Risk Factors for Primary Graft Dysfunction

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a severe lung complication that can occur in the days after lung transplant surgery. This study will analyze blood samples to determine if high levels of certain chemicals may increase the risk of developing PGD after a lung transplant.

Study Overview

Status

Recruiting

Conditions

Detailed Description

PGD is a severe complication that affects up to 25% of lung transplant patients following surgery. Pulmonary edema, which is an abnormal build-up of fluid in the lungs, and hypoxemia, which is low blood oxygen levels, are two common symptoms that individuals with PGD experience. Treatment for PGD is often expensive, and it is the leading cause of death following lung transplantation. Many potential lung donors and recipients are considered unsuitable for lung transplantation because of concern for the development of PGD. Increased levels of chemicals that are involved in bleeding and clotting, including protein C, and certain markers of oxidant stress, which can cause damage to the body's cells and tissues, may increase a person's risk of developing complications following a lung transplant. The purpose of this study is to analyze blood samples to determine if elevated levels of certain chemicals may be associated with an increased risk of developing PGD after lung transplantation.

This study will enroll individuals who are undergoing lung or heart and lung transplantation. Blood samples will be collected from participants prior to surgery, immediately following surgery, and 24 hours after surgery. Study researchers will also review participants' medical records. There will be no additional study visits.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

1150

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Name: E.J. Demissie, MSN
Phone Number: 215-573-4767

Study Locations

United States
- Pennsylvania
  - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
    - Recruiting
    - University of Pennsylvania

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

13 years to 68 years (Child, Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

People undergoing lung transplantation

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

Undergoing lung or combined heart and lung transplantation

Exclusion Criteria:

Undergoing combined organ transplantation other than heart and lung transplantation

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Observational Models: Case-Only
Time Perspectives: Prospective

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Time Frame
Primary graft dysfunction, defined by the ISHLT criteria Time Frame: Measured within 72 hours following transplantation	Measured within 72 hours following transplantation

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

University of Pennsylvania

Collaborators

Johns Hopkins University

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Chicago

Columbia University

University of Pittsburgh

University of Michigan

Duke University

Vanderbilt University

Stanford University

Investigators

Principal Investigator: Jason D. Christie, MD, University of Pennsylvania

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

December 1, 2007

Primary Completion (Estimated)

June 1, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)