Articles tagged with Organ Transplantation
The US donor organ allocation system, MELD score, and its impact on liver transplant outcomes are discussed. Early referral for liver transplant evaluation is found to offer advantages unrelated to waiting time, including early detection and treatment of liver cancer.
A new UCLA Medical Center study shows that select patients age 65 and older can safely undergo lung transplantation with acceptable outcomes. The study found similar survival rates between younger and older patients, suggesting that age should not preclude patients from the procedure.
A meta-analysis found that former substance abusers have a low rate of relapse after organ transplantation, with significant associations between relapse and poor social support and family alcohol history. The study included over 3,600 individuals who received transplants and examined the rates of alcohol and drug relapse.
A study published in JAMA found that rural patients are less likely to be wait-listed for heart, liver, and kidney transplants, with disparities of up to 15% in transplantation rates. The researchers suggest that differences in disease burden or access to specialty care services may contribute to these disparities.
New research suggests transplanting kidneys from donors who died after cardiac arrest could increase the donor pool. A study found comparable short-term results between kidneys donated after cardiac death and brain death, with similar survival rates for patients and transplanted organs.
A study of over 300 live kidney donors found that they had good kidney function and tended to suffer a lower incidence of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart-related deaths compared to the general population. Donors reported high satisfaction rates and would strongly encourage others to become donors if needed.
Using donated kidneys from older donors with health conditions can alleviate organ shortage among older adults, reducing waiting times and improving survival rates. Patient survival rates were similar across age groups, with 91% of patients over 60 receiving ECD kidneys surviving the transplant.
Researchers suggest expanding kidney acceptance criteria and identify key factors improving transplant success. Matching donor and recipient ages and reducing waiting times may optimize results, while understanding risk factors like delayed graft function and acute rejection can aid preventive measures.
A new study found that inhaling nitric oxide during liver transplantation reduces hospital stays and improves blood-clotting and liver-enzyme activity. The treatment also protects transplanted livers from cell death, promising relief for donor-organ shortages.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati and Louisville found that facial transplant outcomes differ significantly from previous data on kidney and hand transplants. They suggest a more optimistic view of face transplantation, with lower rates of acute and chronic rejection.
Two studies examine the role of sodium levels in predicting mortality for patients with severe liver disease, finding that low sodium levels are associated with increased wait-list mortality and poorer post-transplant outcomes. The results suggest incorporating sodium levels into MELD models could improve prognostic accuracy.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking new mouse model for lung transplantation, which could lead to breakthroughs in preventing transplant rejection. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms controlling lung graft survival and develop therapies to counteract chronic rejection.
A 47-year-old man with congestive heart failure underwent the historic surgery at UPMC, where a beating heart supported by the OCS was successfully transplanted. The patient is doing well after discharge on April 30.
The Immune Tolerance Network, a seven-year-old international consortium, has secured significant NIAID funding to develop new therapies for autoimmune diseases. The network's focus on immune tolerance and biological markers aims to create individually targeted treatments.
Preserving kidneys on a portable pump may improve initial function, reduce viral infections, and promote more organ sharing. The study found similar survival outcomes for patients receiving machine-preserved or cold-stored organs from older deceased donors.
Reducing time interval for transported organs has been shown to increase survivorship and improve outcomes in heart transplant patients. The Organ Care System (OCS) uses warm blood perfusion technology to maintain organs in a living state during transport, allowing for evaluation of organ function and reducing cold ischemic time.
A new virus has been identified as the cause of death in three organ transplant recipients in Australia, who received organs from the same donor. The virus is related to known strains of lymphocytic choreomeningitis virus but has a distinct genetic sequence that could not be detected with existing diagnostic methods.
Xenotransplantation holds promise for replacing diseased organs, but immune rejection and pathogen transmission are major concerns. Genetic modifications in pigs have improved compatibility with humans, offering hope for this technique's success.
Medication errors are common and difficult to detect among outpatient transplant patients, with adverse events associated with 32% of errors. The root causes were identified as patient error (68%), financial issues (5%), and healthcare provider error (27%), highlighting the need for improved processes to prevent such errors.
Researchers at Emory University have developed an algorithm that can predict which sensitized patients on the national waiting list for kidney transplants are compatible with a given donor. This new method, based on innovative technology, has increased transplant rates from 15% to 25% in highly sensitized patients.
Primary graft dysfunction is a significant risk factor for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), a chronic scarring process that affects lung function years after transplantation. The study found that all grades of primary graft dysfunction were associated with an increased risk of BOS.
The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) is an accurate predictor of liver disease survival, particularly useful in allocating organs for transplants. However, efforts to refine its accuracy are needed to further improve patient outcomes.
A new Saint Louis University study shows that young transplant patients who lose their federally provided insurance coverage are more likely to stop taking necessary anti-rejection drugs. This can increase the risk of losing the transplanted organ and even death.
A study of over 2,000 kidney transplant patients in the Netherlands found that obese individuals were twice as likely to die within the first year or experience graft failure. This is attributed to a higher incidence of infections and fatal heart conditions among obese patients.
Researchers developed a new model to predict survival after liver transplantation, considering specific characteristics of donors and recipients. The model identified key factors impacting graft survival, including donor age and recipient MELD score.
Researchers found that combined liver-kidney transplants improved patient survival rates compared to separate transplants. Patients who received dialysis for longer than two months before surgery also recovered better after the combined transplant.
A study compares kidney transplant outcomes in the US and Spain, finding similar one-year and five-year graft survival rates for heart-beating and non-heart-beating donors. Living kidney donors also experience higher blood pressure years after donation, highlighting implications for informed consent and follow-up care.
A 'domino' transplant program can effectively double the benefit of altruistically donated kidneys by serving multiple recipients, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine. The domino-donation model has been shown to increase the likelihood of good outcomes for patients and prioritize those in greatest need.
The SYMPHONY study revealed that a CellCept-based drug combination, including low-dose tacrolimus and corticosteroids, significantly improved kidney function and reduced early rejection rates. This regimen is expected to prolong the life of both patients and their transplanted organs.
A study published in Pediatric Transplantation found that individuals with mental retardation have a 100% one-year survival rate and 90% three-year survivor rate after receiving kidney transplants. The research alleviates concerns about transplant success in this population, showing they are appropriate candidates for organ transplants.
A new study suggests that double transplants using organs from children's kidneys or older adults' kidneys can achieve excellent patient survival and kidney function. The study used kidneys from donors aged 22 months and 65 years, with similar short-term outcomes to single transplants.
Scientists at Queen's University have discovered a new antifreeze protein in fleas that can inhibit ice growth by six Celsius degrees, potentially allowing for longer storage of transplant organs. This could lead to an extended preservation period and improve the viability of transplants.
Researchers found that kidney paired donation (KPD) transplants can be performed with outcomes similar to compatible living donor kidney transplants, offering a cost savings and decrease in waiting time. A national KPD transplant scheme could enable many more transplants for patients with incompatible donors.
Belatacept demonstrates improved kidney function and reduced toxicity in patients undergoing kidney transplantation. The treatment reduces the need for immunosuppressive medications and minimizes chronic allograft nephropathy.
The Phase II clinical trial of belatacept found that it preserved kidney function and reduced the incidence of acute rejection in transplant patients. Belatacept selectively blocks T-cell activation while allowing the body to fight off infections.
A report describes four transplant recipients who contracted rabies from a common donor, demonstrating the risk of transmission through solid organ transplantation. The cases highlight the importance of considering rabies diagnosis in rapidly progressive neurological diseases.
Researchers found that patient and organ survival rates in transplants involving organs from 'extreme' donors were similar to success rates with conventional donors. The studies suggest that pancreas donor criteria can be liberalized without adverse outcomes, potentially increasing the number of available organs for transplant.
A seven-year review of liver transplant recipients who received HBV positive and HCV positive organs found patient and graft survival rates comparable to those receiving livers from negative donors. The use of these organs increases the number available for transplantation while maintaining long-term results.
A new study found that a combination of immunosuppressive therapies significantly reduces non-cellular and humoral rejection in heart transplant recipients. The TAC/MMF group showed the lowest incidence of any treated rejection and improved side effects compared to other groups.
Children under five are most likely to die waiting for a liver transplant due to organ shortage. Living donor liver transplantation offers better graft and patient survival rates for pediatric patients.
Researchers have identified a biological pathway for a potent molecule, IL-10, that can delay rejection of transplanted organs by preventing blood-vessel deterioration. The study used rat models and found that a single muscular injection of IL-10 could provide long-term therapeutic effects.
A new study found that low concentrations of sodium nitrite prevent cell death in the hearts and livers of mice undergoing experimental heart attack and liver injury. The potent protective effect reduced dead tissue by 67% compared to control animals given nitrate.
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation has created new, comprehensive guidelines to help organ centers update their policies. The guidelines aim to bridge patients to transplant by offering pharmacological, surgical, and device-based interventions.
A new study published in Nature Medicine shows that infants with Type O blood can accept hearts from donors with Type A blood due to their immature immune system. This breakthrough allows for greater donor compatibility and more successful transplants.
A recent study published at the Central Surgical Association meeting found that success rates for kidney transplants are comparable regardless of donor and recipient age. The research suggests that using newer methods to match kidneys with recipients can increase organ availability for older patients.
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that liver disease severity does not accurately predict quality of life, suggesting alternative methods should be considered for organ allocation. Patients with end-stage liver disease experience impaired quality of life, but this is not correlated with MELD scores.
A new immunosuppression protocol has significantly reduced the need for anti-rejection medications in intestinal transplant patients, resulting in a 96% one-year survival rate. The study showed that 69% of patients are taking a single dose of immunosuppression, and none experienced chronic rejection.
Researchers have discovered that tiny exosomes extracted from donor cells can capture recipient immune cells, promoting transplant tolerance by delivering antigen. This approach may provide a promising alternative to traditional immunosuppression therapies.
The NIAID has formed a clinical consortium to improve the success of organ transplants by identifying genetic factors and developing new immunosuppressive drugs. The consortium aims to minimize complications and increase long-term survival rates for transplant patients.
A new process, Organ Recovery Systems, preserves transplant tissues/organs at refrigerator temperatures and minimizes damage from ice crystals. This technique reduces toxicity of cryoprotectants and enables long-term storage, potentially increasing organ availability worldwide.
A study found that blacks were underrepresented on liver transplant waiting lists, with only 8.4% of the list being black despite 13.6% of the population being black. Blacks also had higher mortality rates while waiting for transplants and were less likely to receive transplants within 4 years compared to whites.
Lung transplant recipients with specific TLR4 gene variants experienced reduced acute rejection rates, suggesting a novel approach to preventing transplant rejection. Researchers believe this finding could lead to improved patient outcomes and survival rates.
A new study found that a single daily dose of Valcyte is equally effective as three times daily Cytovene in preventing CMV in kidney transplant patients. This simplified regimen may improve care and quality of life for transplant recipients by reducing medication complexity.
The study showed that ganciclovir treatment lowers the risk of developing cancer and early organ rejection in kidney transplant patients. Ganciclovir offers dual benefits, extending patient life by reducing malignancy and improving graft survival with reduced rejection.
A new matching system allows use of kidneys from older, high-risk donors increasing the number of patients who can benefit from transplantation. Success rates are similar between younger and older recipients, paving the way for more elderly adults to receive kidney transplants.
The phase II clinical trial found that LEA29Y was as effective as cyclosporine in preventing acute kidney rejection, but had better kidney function and lower cholesterol levels. Patients treated with LEA29Y also showed improved cardiovascular risk profiles.
Data from over 35,000 organ recipients demonstrated improved patient and graft survival with CellCept-based treatment regimens. The studies found significant improvements in liver and kidney transplant outcomes, reducing infectious deaths and increasing graft survival rates.
Researchers found that liver dendritic cells express less TLR-4, a molecule that triggers immune activation, due to the constant exposure to LPS from gut bacteria. This mechanism may contribute to the liver's inherent tolerogenic potential and lower rejection rates in transplant patients.
A Phase II study found LEA29Y effective in preventing acute rejection, but showed significant improvements in kidney function, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels compared to cyclosporine therapy.
The University of Pittsburgh's novel clinical protocol has shown promising results in reducing immunosuppressive medication use for lung transplant patients. With over a year of follow-up, the approach has led to improved one-year survival rates and fewer complications associated with traditional treatments.