[External validation of the Risk Quantification of Early Outcome after Lung Transplantation scale]

Objective: To validate the "Risk Quantification of Early Outcome After Lung Transplantation" (RQLT) scale in a cohort of lung transplantation patients.

Design: The parameters included in the RQLT scale were recorded prospectively.

Patient: A total of 74 lung transplant patients in the University Hospital Marquis of Valdecilla (Santander) were analyzed between September 2004 and March 2008.

Main variables of interest: This was the association of the score on the RQLT scale with mortality at 30 days and prolonged ICU stay. The dependent variable of mortality at 30 days was adjustment of scale using the logistic regression model. Diagnostic efficacy was evaluated using the ROC curve and calibration of the system on the sample with the Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit test.

Results: The 30-day mortality in lung transplant patients increases significantly as the RQLT score increases, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.20 (1.24-3.93) for each point increase on the RQLT scale. The area under the ROC curve for 30-day mortality was 0.79 (0.68-0.88; P=0.01). The Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit test described a value p=0.58.

Conclusions: The RQLT scale is a useful tool as an indicator of 30-day mortality in transplant patients.