 |
|
Older liver donors not associated with negative outcomes in transplant recipients with hepatitis C
July 22, 2008Receiving a liver from a donor older than age 60 does not appear to be associated with transplant failure, death or recurrent disease in the next five years among transplant patients with the hepatitis C virus, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Hepatitis C virus infection is the most common cause of the liver disease cirrhosis and the most common indication for liver transplant for U.S. adults, according to background information in the article. Currently, about 17,000 patients are on the waiting list for a liver transplant. Many medical centers have expanded donor criteria, including increasing age limits, to increase the pool of available organs. "There are concerning reports, however, in recipients with hepatitis C virus that extended criteria donors, particularly older donors, are associated with poorer outcome, especially with early and severe hepatitis C virus recurrence in the donor graft," the authors write.
M.B. Majella Doyle, M.D., and colleagues at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, analyzed data from 489 adult liver transplants performed at the school between 1997 and 2006. Of these patients, 187 (38.2 percent) were infected with the hepatitis C virus and 302 (61.8 percent) had other indications for liver transplant.
Of patients with the hepatitis C virus, 88.1 percent were alive after one year, 78.3 percent survived three years and 69.2 percent survived five years. Donor livers were still functioning in 85.6 percent of hepatitis C virus-positive recipients after one year, 75.6 percent after three years and 65.6 percent after five years. There were no differences in rates of survival and graft (organ) survival between patients with and without hepatitis C in the short or medium term (at one, three or five years). "However, similar to other long-term transplant centers, we observed a negative effect from recurrent hepatitis C virus with a trend toward worsened long-term survival between years five and 10," the authors write.
A total of 72 patients received organs from donors age 60 and older, including 24 (12.8 percent) with hepatitis C virus and 48 (15.9 percent) without the virus. There were no differences in one-, three- or five-year patient or graft survival rates when these patients-or those who received organs from donors age 65 and older-were compared with those who received organs from younger donors. Because the use of older donors has primarily occurred in the past five years, long-term comparisons were not possible. However, the early results suggest the practice is safe, the authors note.
"In conclusion, overall patient and graft survival in hepatitis C virus-positive recipients is comparable with that in hepatitis C virus-negative patients, and there seems to be little, if any, adverse effect on short- and medium-term follow-up with the use of carefully selected older donor grafts in recipients with hepatitis C virus," they conclude. "Data from this series suggest that the continued use of selected older donors is a safe method of expanding the liver donor pool, even for hepatitis C-positive recipients."
JAMA and Archives Journals
Of patients with the hepatitis C virus, 88.1 percent were alive after one year, 78.3 percent survived three years and 69.2 percent survived five years. Donor livers were still functioning in 85.6 percent of hepatitis C virus-positive recipients after one year, 75.6 percent after three years and 65.6 percent after five years. There were no differences in rates of survival and graft (organ) survival between patients with and without hepatitis C in the short or medium term (at one, three or five years). "However, similar to other long-term transplant centers, we observed a negative effect from recurrent hepatitis C virus with a trend toward worsened long-term survival between years five and 10," the authors write.
A total of 72 patients received organs from donors age 60 and older, including 24 (12.8 percent) with hepatitis C virus and 48 (15.9 percent) without the virus. There were no differences in one-, three- or five-year patient or graft survival rates when these patients-or those who received organs from donors age 65 and older-were compared with those who received organs from younger donors. Because the use of older donors has primarily occurred in the past five years, long-term comparisons were not possible. However, the early results suggest the practice is safe, the authors note.
"In conclusion, overall patient and graft survival in hepatitis C virus-positive recipients is comparable with that in hepatitis C virus-negative patients, and there seems to be little, if any, adverse effect on short- and medium-term follow-up with the use of carefully selected older donor grafts in recipients with hepatitis C virus," they conclude. "Data from this series suggest that the continued use of selected older donors is a safe method of expanding the liver donor pool, even for hepatitis C-positive recipients."
JAMA and Archives Journals
Hepatitis Current Events and Hepatitis News RSSToward explaining why hepatitis B hits men harder than women
Scientists in China are reporting discovery of unusual liver proteins, found only in males, that may help explain the long-standing mystery of why the hepatitis B virus (HBV) sexually discriminates -- hitting men harder than women.
Largest-ever database for liver proteins may lead to treatments for hepatitis
Scientists at a group of 11 research centers in China are reporting for the first time assembly of the largest-ever collection of data about the proteins produced by genes in a single human organ.
Mount 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.
Hepatitis B does not increase risk for pancreatic cancer
A Henry Ford Hospital study found that hepatitis B does not increase the risk for pancreatic cancer - and that only age is a contributing factor.
Governor recognizes stem cell research at Einstein
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University hosted a roundtable discussion on stem cell research with New York Governor David A. Paterson today.
Liver cells grown from patients' skin cells
Scientists at The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee have successfully produced liver cells from patients' skin cells opening the possibility of treating a wide range of diseases that affect liver function.
Injury and hazards in home health care nursing are a growing concern
Patients continue to enter home healthcare ''sicker and quicker," often with complex health problems that may require extensive nursing care.
Medication effective for acute liver failure in early stages of disease
The antidote for acute liver failure caused by acetaminophen poisoning also can treat acute liver failure due to most other causes if given before severe injury occurs, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers and their colleagues at 21 other institutions have found.
New aging studies improving vaccine efficacy for the elderly
A new study from the Trudeau Institute in Saranac Lake, New York, demonstrates that immune system cells important for both pathogen resistance and vaccine efficacy live longer in older animals but because of this longevity acquire functional defects.
More Hepatitis Current Events and Hepatitis News Articles
 |
Dr. Melissa Palmer's Guide To Hepatitis and Liver Disease by Melissa Palmer (Author) In the United States alone, more than four million people are infected with the hepatitis C virus, and chronic liver disease is the twelfth leading cause of death. In this revised and updated edition of her groundbreaking 2000 book, renowned hepatologist Dr. Melissa Palmer discusses all facets of liver disease, from symptoms and tests to treatment options and lifestyle changes. In addition, this comprehensive handbook reveals cutting-edge research on the dangers of hepatitis C, one of the world's fasting-growing microbial threats. |
 |
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... |
 |
HEPATITIS GIANT MICROBE by Giant Microbes HAV is spread primarily by unsanitary food and water ? HBV is transmitted in bodily fluids and can cause chronic liver disease ? HCV is perhaps the most dangerous: no vaccine is available ? HDV occurs only in the presence of HBV ? HEV is relatively mild and non-chronic ? HFV and HGV are newly identified; their connection with liver disease is debated |
 |
Understanding Hepatitis C Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Hepatitis C is a blood born disease affecting over 5 million Americans. Dangerously, most people infected aren't even aware they've contracted it. On this program, Infectious Disease Specialists discuss the latest scientific & clinical data including treatment options and their side effects. We visit with real people who for years were unaware they were carrying the virus, found out, sought proper treatment and now live virus free. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
 |
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... |
 |
Home Access Hepatitis C Check 1 ea by Home Access At-Home Telemedicine Test Service for Hepatitis C*. Confidentia |
|
Aids & Hepatitis Digest by Ccm International Ltd Provides information to Air Force comptroller personell relating to mission accomplishment, to assist them in solving problems and improving efficiency of operation and to communicate new developments and techniques | |
 |
Balanceuticals Blood Circulator Dietary Supplement Capsules, 500 mg, 60-Count Bottle by Balanceuticals Dietary Supplement. 100% Natural. Made under Supervision by China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Made of medicinal rhubarb, prepared rehmannia root, common peony root, peach seed, bitter apricot seed, licorice root, scute, dun fly, gadfly, leech, June beetle, this time-honored formula is used in Chinese medicine to promote micro-circulation, increase blood flow to heart muscles, open and clear arteries, inhibit intestinal adhesion, soothe the liver, remove stasis and maintain healthy blood circulation and regular menses. This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
 |
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 *... |
 |
Understanding Hepatitis Anatomical Chart Laminated (In Stock)-9992PL1.5 by Anatomical Chart Company Defines viral hepatitis and the types of hepatic viruses that cause this disease: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and recently discovered viruses G and TTV (Transfusion Transmitted Virus). Talks about modes of tranmission and illustrated the complications of hepatitis. Illustrates the anatomy of the liver, pancreas and surrounding structures, including veins and arteries. Shows 3 liver biopsies: normal, mild hepatitis and moderate. Lists the signs and symptoms which progress by stages. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |