Articles tagged with Organ Transplantation
A new study from Mayo Clinic found that patients with high and low levels of donor-specific alloantibodies who received simultaneous liver-kidney transplants showed a lower incidence of cellular and antibody-mediated rejection, chronic injury to the kidney, and better overall kidney function compared to those who received a kidney tran...
A new study reveals a mechanism involved in lymphangiogenesis, specifically in corneal transplants and infectious eye disease, by inhibiting the overgrowth of lymphatic vessels. Galectin-8 promotes pathological lymphangiogenesis, increasing the risk of organ rejection and cancer metastasis.
Researchers have identified promising biomarkers to monitor immunosuppressive drug therapy in organ transplant recipients, with the potential for individualized treatment to reduce rejection and minimize side effects. A panel of experts recommends a preliminary set of tests for use in biomarker-based immunosuppressive drug management.
Researchers found that acute and chronic kidney rejection are different parts of the same immune rejection process, making it a single entity at the molecular level. They identified interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy as an early warning sign of active but 'silent' rejection.
A new process of moving donor management out of hospitals to freestanding facilities has been shown to be more efficient and cost-effective. This approach results in a higher number of suitable organs being recovered for transplant, with an average increase of 3.4 organs per donor.
A new study by Mayo Clinic reveals that only one-third of patients receive preemptive or early living donor kidney transplants, despite research suggesting improved patient outcomes. The study highlights the need for education and access to information about living donor kidney transplantation to improve long-term outcomes.
New research from Penn Medicine reveals that many transplant centers in the US reject organs for their sickest patients, increasing waitlist mortality. The study analyzed 23,000 organ offers to 13,255 patients and found significant variability in acceptance rates among centers.
Researchers found mild fibrosis in biopsies taken a few months after transplant correlated with acute kidney injury gene expression, while advanced fibrosis reflected ongoing injury. Older transplants with fibrosis were associated with an increased risk of kidney failure.
The new allocation system has boosted transplantation rates for black and Hispanic patients on waiting lists, reducing racial disparities. Younger adults have gained wider access to coveted organs, while older candidates have seen a decline in transplant rates.
A new cellular structure responsible for previously unexplained rejection of organ transplants has been identified. Researchers have found a way to neutralize the enzyme driver of this structure, which could revolutionize transplantation practice by modifying risk assessment of rejection.
A study of living liver donors found that most donors were highly satisfied with the donation process and reported improved health outcomes. The study's results suggest that living liver donation is a positive experience for donors, with 97% indicating they would donate again.
Research found that patients who listed at multiple centers had higher transplant rates and lower death rates while waiting. Wealthier patients were more likely to be insured and had the resources to list at multiple centers, addressing long waiting times and organ shortage issues.
A study found that adults who received kidneys from deceased pediatric donors aged 0 to 5 years experienced no surgical complications, organ failure, or rejection. The results showed excellent outcomes with no adverse effects from younger donor age or low weight.
A study evaluating patients who purchased organs internationally found higher rates of hepatitis C, B, and cytomegalovirus, as well as increased risk of acute and recurrent rejections. Survival rates were also lower compared to living related donor transplants.
Researchers aim to create a permanent solution for organ transplantation scarcity using bio-hybrid devices combining silicon filters with living human kidney cells. The device, if successful, could run on the body's normal blood pressure without power source, eliminating organ rejection issues.
Researchers found a link between MMF and an increased risk of CNS lymphoma in solid organ transplant patients. However, combining MMF with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) appears to protect against this rare form of lymphoma, according to the study published in Oncotarget.
A recent study by Henry Ford Hospital found that over half of transplant nurses in the US suffer from emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment. The researchers suggest that organizations must create environments that nurture both patients and caregivers to prevent burnout.
A large international team of researchers is investigating the genetic factors behind transplant successes and failures. The project, iGeneTRAiN, has generated genomics data for over 32,000 organ donors and recipients, aiming to discover genetic variants that lead to rejection and other complications.
Researchers used ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) to recondition poorly functioning lungs, removing donor white blood cells and reducing the risk of acute rejection. This technique can increase access to transplantation and shorten waiting list times.
A new study of DCD liver transplantations found no significant correlation between donor age and organ survival. The results suggest that stringent donor and recipient selection can help expand the donor pool for life-saving liver transplantation, making aged DCD organs more viable.
Study finds that certain IgG3 and IgG4 donor-specific HLA antibodies correlate with distinct patterns of antibody-mediated injury to transplanted organs. Patients with mostly IgG3 antibodies have a higher likelihood of organ rejection soon after transplantation, while those with mostly IgG4 antibodies experience delayed rejection.
The University of Chicago Medicine has contributed to the Illinois Transplant Fund, providing financial assistance for organ transplants to qualified uninsured residents. The fund, launched by the ITF, offers insurance premium support and financial help to patients in need.
Researchers found that immune tolerance can spontaneously recover after an infection-triggered rejection event, and hosts can accept subsequent transplants as soon as a week after. Regulatory T-cells play a key role in this process, acting as a 'brake' to prevent other immune cells from targeting the second transplant.
A new study found that calcineurin inhibitor-based medications used by organ transplant recipients significantly lower the prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease compared to national data. The research suggests that this treatment strategy may offer a protective effect against the development and progression of Alzheimer's.
Researchers at UCLA successfully tested a portable finger-probe device on 53 potential organ donors, predicting which livers would function properly after transplantation. The device could increase the number of organs used for transplant and save patients waiting for transplants from dying.
New research reveals wide variability in organ donation rates across the US, with Midwest having the highest rates and New York State having the lowest. If consent rates were to increase in low-performing areas, nearly 2,700 lifesaving transplants could be made available.
Medical ethicists propose a solution to the US organ shortage crisis by introducing an 'uncontrolled donation after circulatory determination of death' (UDCDD) approach. This method considers deceased individuals for donation even outside hospitals, allowing families to decide later if they want to preserve organs for potential donation.
Researchers found that transplant outcomes using kidneys from deceased donors with AKI were no different between the AKI and non-AKI groups at both 1 and 3 years post-transplant. The study results suggest that acutely injured kidneys can be considered for transplantation, potentially alleviating the US kidney shortage.
The US transplant organ shortage continues to grow, with thousands on waiting lists for 5 years or more. Medical leaders propose removing financial disincentives and exploring incentives like health insurance post-donation to ensure donor safety. However, there is ongoing debate about the ethics of introducing financial payments.
A Yale-led study found that donated kidneys with acute injury are associated with delayed graft function but not poor long-term transplant outcomes. The research suggests that injured kidneys could be used for transplants, potentially increasing the number of available organs and improving survival rates for patients on dialysis.
Double-lung transplantation was associated with better graft survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but not in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The new lung allocation score system has changed demographics of single- and double-lung transplant recipients.
A national study found nearly half of organ transplant surgeons experience low personal accomplishment and 40% feel emotionally exhausted. Surgeons who reported higher levels of personal accomplishment felt more control in their work life and had more support from co-workers.
A Stanford study found that many donated hearts are being rejected due to varying acceptance criteria across regions. The rejection rate decreased from 44% in 1995 to 32% in 2010, highlighting a pressing need for standardized guidelines.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have joined forces with a leading 3D biology company to develop 3D printed tissues for transplant research. The technology could shorten wait times for vital organs and eliminate the need for immunosuppressive drugs.
A US policy giving priority to prior organ donors has been shown to significantly reduce waiting times and improve the quality of organs received. Living donors who later need a transplant experience much shorter waits and receive higher-quality kidneys compared to those on the waiting list without donation history.
Researchers discovered that fondaparinux, an anticoagulant, can protect transplanted kidneys from damage. Improved kidney function was observed both immediately after transplantation and months later, suggesting this strategy could augment the pool of available organs.
A new study found that living liver donor candidates often experience ambivalence regarding donation, which is linked to physical, psychosocial, and financial concerns. Providing social support can help mitigate these concerns and reduce ambivalence among living liver donors.
Using Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) has increased the number of organs available for transplant after circulatory death by 20%. This technology improves organ viability, particularly for kidneys, livers, and pancreases, making more life-saving organs available for patients waiting for transplants.
New research reveals that broader organ sharing for liver transplants will not negatively impact Cold Ischemia Time (CIT) but will increase the percentage of organs transported by flying, according to findings published in Liver Transplantation.
Ashley Anh Vo, a transplant pharmacist at Cedars-Sinai, received the 2014 Clinician of Distinction award for her work on anti-rejection drugs. Her research identified IVIG as an effective therapy to reduce HLA antibody levels and prolong patient survival.
Scientists are developing 3D printing technology to create working tissues and organs on-demand, addressing the organ shortage. They discovered that adding more cells in bioinks reduces droplet size and dispensing rate, advancing the technology.
A new study reveals nearly half of transplant surgeons experience burnout, with high emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment reported. The findings highlight the need for organizations to develop systems to prevent burnout and support sustainable workforces.
Penn Medicine researchers found that living donor transplant outcomes are superior to those of deceased donors when surgeries are performed at an experienced center. The three-year patient survival rate for living donor recipients was 83% compared to 78% for deceased donors.
A new clinical trial aims to remove the need for immunosuppressive drugs in organ transplant patients by increasing their regulatory T cells. The TRACT study uses a therapeutic approach that isolates and expands T-regs from participants prior to kidney transplantation.
Researchers developed a new supercooling technique to increase liver storage time from 24 hours to 3 days in animal study. The method successfully stored rat livers for up to four days, with 58% survival rate, offering potential for improved organ allocation and reduced costs.
A new kidney allocation policy is expected to improve patient and transplant survival rates, with median organ survival increasing by 2.8%, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. The policy prioritizes highly sensitized patients while potentially reducing access for older candidates.
Researchers have found that organs from donors with a history of certain cancers pose little risk to recipients, allowing for improved transplant survival rates. Optimizing donor organ preservation techniques can also improve graft function and reduce energy depletion in livers after circulatory death.
Researchers found that patients with low sodium levels prior to transplantation did not have higher mortality rates after surgery. The study, published in Liver Transplantation, analyzed data from over 19,500 patients who received a liver transplant in the US between 2003 and 2010.
A study found that veterans living farther from transplant centers were less likely to be added to a waitlist or receive a transplant, and more likely to die. The researchers suggest that this may be due to reduced access for evaluation and relocation needs.
A new study reveals that veterans with liver disease who live over 100 miles from a VA liver transplant center are only half as likely to be placed on the transplant waitlist, increasing their risk of death. The further away they live, the less likely they are to receive a transplant and ultimately die.
A recent study published in Liver Transplantation reveals that only 17% of liver transplant centers offer an alibi to potential donors, highlighting the need for standardization. The researchers recommend including written offers of alibis in consent forms to preserve donor autonomy.
A novel approach to long-term tolerance in organ transplantation has been described by REGiMMUNE Corporation. The approach uses activated invariant natural killer T cells with costimulatory blockade to induce mixed chimerism, resulting in donor-specific tolerance.
The study found that traveling to donor hospitals for organ procurement reduced travel time from eight hours to two hours and saved 37% on organ recovery costs. The use of free-standing organ recovery centers significantly improved the efficiency of deceased donor organ transplantation.
Researchers develop a method to predict future clinical events using genomic testing over multiple patient visits. The AlloMap test can assess the risk of dysfunction or rejection of a transplanted heart months before such an event may occur.
A mathematical model simulates and optimizes donor kidney distribution to ease regional inequities and potentially save hundreds of lives. The model identifies areas for policy changes, including sharing within states and transplanting lower-quality kidneys.
Temple researchers have shown that identical or compatible blood types between donor and recipient do not affect rejection rates in double-lung transplants. The study confirms excellent post-transplant lung function and comparable mortality rates for compatible donors.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a procedure to induce immune tolerance to hand and face transplants, which could free recipients from lifelong immunosuppression. The study successfully tested this approach in miniature swine, paving the way for expanded availability of these complex transplants.
Researchers in the UK found that organs from selected DCD donors with pre-hospital cardiac arrest had no significant impact on graft or transplant recipient survival compared to other deceased donors. The study suggests using these organs could boost the donor pool without adverse outcomes for liver transplant recipients.
A Northwestern Medicine study using stem cells has shown promise in improving organ transplant outcomes by enabling patients to stop taking anti-rejection medicines. The research, which began in 2009, uses specially engineered stem cells to make the recipient's immune system recognize the new kidney as its own.
Kidney transplant recipients who discontinue immunosuppressive drugs before conception have a higher rate of live births and a lower rate of birth defects without an increased risk of kidney problems, according to research published by the American Society of Nephrology.