First, the aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of echocardiographic parameters for detecting pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with advanced lung disease referred for lung transplantation. Second, to assess the prevalence of PH and to identify which hemodynamic, echocardiographic, pulmonary functional test, exercise capacity and biochemical parameters (especially NT-proBNP) have an impact on survival in a cohort of patients with severe lung diseases referred for lung transplantation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• advanced lung disease
• qualification for lung transplantation
• written informed consent
• pulmonary capillary wedge pressure < 15 mmHg

Exclusion Criteria:

• cancer,
• history of idiopathic pulmonary hypertension,
• primary valvular heart diseases,
• coronary artery disease,
• collagen vascular disease,
• history or evidence of left ventricular dysfunction,
• atrial fibrillation,
• increased liver enzyme levels ( 3 times the upper laboratory limit),
• renal dysfunction (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73m2)
• patients who didn't write the personal informed consent
• any specific therapy for PH.

Consecutive patients with advanced lung diseases referred for lung transplantation. All patients underwent examinations as potential candidates for lung transplantation, including laboratory testing, pulmonary function tests, exercise capacity, echocardiography examination, and right heart catheterization. Evaluation for lung transplantation was performed during clinically stable periods in all patients on optimal medical and oxygen therapy.