Lung transplantation Lung transplantation may offer significant improvements in function to selected patients. COPD is now the most common reason for lung transplantation. Although symptoms are improved, it is unclear that the mortality curve for severe COPD is altered. These attempt to arrest the illness by targeting the underlying cause. Another approach involves the use of retinoic acid to reverse the changes of emphysema.
Retinoic acid is involved in normal developmental alveolar growth and septation.
It has been shown to stimulate the growth of new alveolar walls in rats with experimental emphysema. Early human trials are just beginning. All rights reserved. This information is presented for general educational purposes only and cannot be adapted for the diagnosis or treatment of a particular individual. Physicians and health care professionals are encouraged to consult other sources as no single reference can substitute for medical training, education, and experience.