 |
|
Heart transplant from organ donor with hepatitis C associated with decreased survival
October 18, 2006Heart transplant patients who receive a donor heart from a person with hepatitis C have a lower rate of survival, according to a study in the October 18 issue of JAMA.
A shortage of cardiac organ donors results in a substantial number of deaths among persons awaiting cardiac transplantation. One potential approach for increasing the availability of donors is to broaden the criteria used to identify appropriate donors. For example, the cardiac donor pool could be expanded by using donors with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Hearts from donors infected with HCV carry a substantial risk of transmission of HCV to the recipient, and high rates of subsequent liver enzyme abnormalities have been observed, according to background information in the article. The effect on patient survival has not been clear.
Leanne B. Gasink, M.D., M.S.C.E., of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, and colleagues conducted a study to determine the relationship between donor HCV status and survival in cardiac transplant recipients. The study included data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. Adult heart transplant patients who received their transplants between April 1994 and July 2003 were eligible for inclusion. Of 10,915 patients meeting entry criteria, 261 received an HCV-positive donor heart.
The researchers found that the rate of death was higher among recipients of hearts from HCV-positive donors compared with recipients of hearts from HCV-negative donors at 1 year (16.9 percent vs. 8.2 percent), 5 years (41.8 percent vs. 18.5 percent), and 10 years (50.6 percent vs. 24.3 percent). At 1, 5, and 10 years, survival rates were 83 percent, 53 percent, and 25 percent for recipients of HCV-positive donor hearts, and 92 percent, 77 percent, and 53 percent for recipients of HCV-negative donor hearts, respectively. This association appears to be independent of recipient HCV status and age. Recipients of HCV-positive donor hearts were more likely to die of liver disease and coronary vasculopathy (disease of the coronary arteries).
"Preferential allocation of HCV-positive donors to HCV-positive recipients and/or older recipients is not warranted," the authors conclude.
JAMA and Archives Journals
The researchers found that the rate of death was higher among recipients of hearts from HCV-positive donors compared with recipients of hearts from HCV-negative donors at 1 year (16.9 percent vs. 8.2 percent), 5 years (41.8 percent vs. 18.5 percent), and 10 years (50.6 percent vs. 24.3 percent). At 1, 5, and 10 years, survival rates were 83 percent, 53 percent, and 25 percent for recipients of HCV-positive donor hearts, and 92 percent, 77 percent, and 53 percent for recipients of HCV-negative donor hearts, respectively. This association appears to be independent of recipient HCV status and age. Recipients of HCV-positive donor hearts were more likely to die of liver disease and coronary vasculopathy (disease of the coronary arteries).
"Preferential allocation of HCV-positive donors to HCV-positive recipients and/or older recipients is not warranted," the authors conclude.
JAMA and Archives Journals
Hepatitis C Current Events and Hepatitis C News RSSMount Sinai finds those with more difficult to treat forms of HCV are half as likely to get treated
A new study by Mount Sinai researchers has for the first time found that patients with more difficult to treat forms of hepatitis C are half as likely to initiate treatment for the disease, when compared to patients with hepatitis C that is easier to treat.
Extending treatment after liver transplant may benefit patients with hepatitis C recurrence
Extending hepatitis C treatment for liver transplant patients beyond current practice results in high rates of clearance of the hepatitis C virus from the blood, as well as a low rate of relapse, according to a Henry Ford Hospital study.
Discovery could improve hepatitis C treatment
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers are part of an international team that has discovered a genetic variation that could identify those people infected with hepatitis C who are most likely to benefit from current treatments.
Genetic hint for ridding the body of hepatitis C
More than seventy percent of people who contract Hepatitis C will live with the virus that causes it for the rest of their lives and some will develop serious liver disease including cancer.
Men experience sexual dysfunction during hepatitis C therapy
Sexual impairment is common among men with chronic hepatitis C undergoing antiviral therapy, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute.
Is endotoxin receptor CD14 rs2569190/C-159T gene correlated with chronic hepatitis C?
It is still unknown why the natural history of chronic disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV), which currently infects 3% of the world's population, varies from mild in some patients to rapidly progressing in others.
Hepatitis C virus channels efforts into cell survival
Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a previously unknown mechanism that allows the hepatitis C virus (HCV) to remain in the body for decades.
New Strategy for Inhibiting Virus Replication
Viruses need living cells for replication and production of virus progeny. Thus far, antiviral therapy primarily targets viral factors but often induces therapy resistance. New improved therapies attempt to targets cellular factors that are essential for viral replication.
New biomarker predicts response to hepatitis C treatment
Researchers have identified the first genetic marker that predicts response to hepatitis C treatments, and a single letter of DNA code appears to make a huge difference.
The hepatitis healing power of blueberry leaves
A chemical found in blueberry leaves has shown a strong effect in blocking the replication of the Hepatitis C virus, opening up a new avenue for treating chronic HCV infections, which affect 200 million people worldwide and can eventually lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
More Hepatitis C Current Events and Hepatitis C News Articles
 |
Living With Hepatitis C For Dummies by Nina L. Paul (Author), Gina Pollichino (Foreword) A comprehensive, empathetic guide for anyone suffering from this serious liver disease Approximately 4 million Americans and 170 million people worldwide suffer from hepatitis C, a viral liver disease that is treatable but not curable. It accounts for more than 40 percent of U.S. liver disease deaths–about 8,000 to 10,000 people annually–and is the most common reason for liver transplantation. This compassionate guide explains how hepatitis C affects the liver and the body and provides solid advice on today’s treatment options–from drugs (and their side effects) to transplants and alternative therapies–as well as tips on dealing with the emotional and financial burdens the disease brings with it. Nina L Paul, PhD (New York, NY) earned her doctorate in infectious... |
 |
Living with Hepatitis C: A Survivor's Guide, Fourth Edition by Gregory T. Everson (Author), Hedy Weinberg (Author) "An extremely useful title…recommended."—Library Journal Living with Hepatitis C was the first book to explain in everyday language the causes of the disease, the major and minor symptoms, and all of the latest treatments, including pegylated interferons. Since its first publication, researchers have made dramatic strides in helping the millions of Americans who suffer from this deadly disease. Completely updated and revised, this latest edition includes the latest information on: • new treatments including pegylated and consensus interferons • living-donor liver transplants • co-infections with Hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS • promising new clinical trials of protease and polymerase inhibitors • new maintenance therapies, an expanded and updated... |
 |
The Hepatitis C Handbook by Matthew Dolan (Author), Iain Murray-Lyon (Editor), John Tindall (Editor) The Hepatitis C Handbook describes the origins and prevalence of a viral infection that is fast becoming one of the most feared and yet common diseases of our time. Originally published in the U.K., the book includes contributions from internationally renowned specialists and the experiences of patients. This book will help patients and health professionals address hepatitis C from an informed perspective. Twice as big as the original, this second edition contains exhaustive research into all aspects of this widely misunderstood and serious medical condition. Matthew Dolan covers all aspects of the virus: its prevalence and variations; course and symptoms; theories, origins and epidemiology; transmission; and testing issues. He also thoroughly addresses treatment options... |
 |
Living with Hepatitis C, Fifth Edition: A Survivor's Guide by Gregory T. Everson (Author) The Most Trusted Resource and Reference for Millions of Americans Living with Hepatitis C was the first book to explain in everyday language the causes of this disease, its major and minor symptoms, and all of the latest treatments available. Researchers have continued to make dramatic strides in helping the millions of Americans who suffer from Hepatitis C since the book's first publication, and each new edition has kept up with the most recent findings. The latest revised Living With Hepatitis C, Fifth Edition includes cutting-edge information on: * New treatments including pegylated and consensus interferons * Living-donor transplants * Co-infections with Hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS * Promising new clinical trials of protease and polymerase inhibitors *... |
 |
Hepatitis C Cookbook: Easy and Delicious Recipes by Heather Jeanne (Author) Hepatitis C is a potentially fatal virus that attacks the liver. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Hepatitis C has already infected an estimated four to five million Americans, and worldwide it may have infected as many as 200 million. Most experts agree that if the rate of Hepatitis C infection isn’t curbed soon, it will eventually kill more people each year than AIDS. However, Hepatitis C is not always fatal, and it can be fought successfully. For many who suffer from the virus, eating properly can delay the end stages leading to cirrhosis of the liver. It also can diminish the uncomfortable symptoms of the disease. The Hepatitis C Cookbook has been prepared with the special dietary needs of people suffering from Hepatitis C in mind. Hepatitis C does not have... |
 |
Triumph Over Hepatitis C by Lloyd Wright (Author), Annie Waterhouse (Illustrator) This is the third edition, 2nd printing. This edition of Triumph Over Hepatitis C includes all new information updates. It is important for the reader to understand that HCV has not changed, the way to health has not changed. The only thing that has changed is Big Pharm's quest for your money and their complete disregard for your health. |
 |
The Hepatitis C Help Book, Revised Edition: A Groundbreaking Treatment Program Combining Western and Eastern Medicine for Maximum Wellness and Healing by Misha Ruth Cohen O.M.D. L. Ac. (Author), Robert Gish (Author), Kalia Doner (Author) A fully updated and revised edition of an important health guide, including the latest information on optimum interferon protocol. Hepatitis C has been called "the emergent and preeminent public-health problem of the twenty-first century--surpassing HIV." It has also been dubbed "The Shadow Epidemic," because it is one of the most clandestine of viruses and infects healthy people who have no idea they are being attacked by something they can't even detect. Now, the two experts on Hepatitis C who teamed up to write the first comprehensive guide to orthodox and alternative treatment options have revised and fully updated the book to include recent findings in the field. Along with programs for self-care, nutritional and fitness plans and a comprehensive Western and Chinese medical... |
 |
The First Year: Hepatitis C: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The) by Cara Bruce (Author), Ph.D. Lisa Montanarelli (Author), M.D. Teresa Wright (Foreword) The fifth-year anniversary of the book ushers in a new phase of treatment and information, including protease inhibitors (which have been so successful in treating HIV), split-liver transplants, and prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines for HCV. Bruce and Montanarelli also offer updated information on medications that are toxic to the liver; Eastern and Western approaches to healing; nutrition guides; the types of hepatitis that have been identified and what is known; and living with coinfection (HCV and HIV, HBV, and HAV). Alarming statistics: Hepatitis C is the most common bloodborne virus: It has infected 300 million people worldwide (4.1 million in the U.S.) and kills 8,000 to 10,000 Americans each year. About 26,000 people in the U.S. are infected yearly. Chronic hepatitis C is the... |
 |
Home Access Hepatitis C Check 1 ea by Home Access At-Home Telemedicine Test Service for Hepatitis C*. Confidentia |
 |
Healing Hepatitis C: A Patient and a Doctor on the Epidemic's Front Lines Tell You How to Recognize When You Are at Risk, Understand Hepatitis C Tests, Talk to Your Doctor About Hepatitis C, and Adv by Christopher Kennedy Lawford (Author), Diana Sylvestre (Author) Get the facts about Hepatitis C Having hepatitis C can be a transformative, extremely tough experience—especially without the right information. Healing Hepatitis C remedies that by combining the personal story of Christopher Kennedy Lawford, who unknowingly contracted the virus during his years of drug use, with the medical expertise of Dr. Diana Sylvestre, who has devoted her career to treating hepatitis C sufferers. Together they deal with the stigma and misinformation, and the fears and frustrations of this illness. Healing Hepatitis C serves as a valuable sourcebook for medical and treatment information: from what hepatitis C is to what it does, and from what to expect during treatment to how to communicate with your physician, to finding the support you need. Most of... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |