Does lung transplant improve quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis?

Yes: Improvement in quality of life after double lung transplant can be dramatic. Most patients come off of oxygen and have much better quality of life by 6 months after transplant. The improvement after lung transplant can last a long time (years).

Sometimes: This is a controversial question, and my answer is on one side of the debate. People with CF should be closely followed and treated with a goal of maximizing quality of life. When the illness becomes severe enough (repeated infections, hospitalizations, poor exercise tolerance), transplant should be considered... But not everyone with poor lung function will benefit. Read t. Liou, md's articles.