Reduction of lipid-laden macrophage index after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in cystic fibrosis patients after lung transplantation

Background: Lipid-laden macrophage (LLM) index could be potentially useful in assessing gastroesophageal (GE) reflux and aspiration after lung transplantation (LT) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods: A retrospective review of CF patients undergoing LT and/or laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2011, was performed. Results: Seventeen CF patients (nine women), mean (±SD) age 27.9 ± 7.5 yr, underwent LT with mean (±SD) pre-transplant FEV₁ of 20.9 ± 5.0% predicted. Seventy percentage (12/17) of patients underwent LNF without complications within 1-2 wk of LT. After LT, but prior to antireflux surgery, there was no significant difference in the mean (±SD) baseline LLM index (154 ± 41 vs. 146 ± 51, p = NS) between patients who were to undergo LNF and patients who did not. After LNF, a significant reduction in the mean (±SD) LLM index occurred following the procedure (154 ± 41-74 ± 54, p < 0.0001) while each patient reported resolution of symptoms of GE reflux, whereas 40% (2/5) undergoing only medical treatment reported resolution of symptoms. Conclusions: Significant reduction in the LLM index occurred after LNF in CF patients after LT that correlated with resolution of clinical symptoms of GE reflux.