Pulmonary Transfer Factor in Heart Transplant Patients

A number of studies have shown a consistent reduction in pulmonary transfer factor (TLCO) after heart transplantation despite improvement in lung volumes and cardiopulmonary haemodynamics. The mechanism and causes of this decline have not been determined and the clinical significance of TLCO reduction in heart transplant recipients is unknown. The aims of the studies comprising this thesis were to describe prospectively the longitudinal changes in TLCO after heart transplantation, determine the mechanisms and causes of its decline and to evaluate the effect of TLCO reduction on gas exchange and exercise performance