From surgery to laboratory and back again
Researchers developed chemical agents that bind and potentially remove the anti-coagulant heparin, improving patient care. The system is biodegradable, reducing the risk of side effects.
Transplantation
Articles tagged with Transplantation
Some receive unnecessary prioritization for liver transplantation, says Penn Medicine study
A recent Penn Medicine study reveals that patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome may be receiving unnecessary priority on the liver transplant wait list. The study found that these patients often have poor post-transplant survival rates and that a significant proportion of them do not meet clear clinical indications for transplantation.
Quantifying the FDA's rulemaking delays highlights the need for transparency
A study published in Health Affairs found that the FDA's median rulemaking time is 7.3 years, with cost-benefit analysis associated with additional delays. The authors recommend improving efficiency and promoting transparency to reduce regulatory burdens.
Blue light may fight fatigue around the clock
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that blue light exposure improves alertness and performance during the day and night, reducing fatigue. The study used specialized equipment to compare the effects of blue and green light on 16 participants, showing significant improvements in alertness and reaction times.
Morbidity higher in obese liver transplant recipients with diabetes
A recent study published in Liver Transplantation found that obese liver transplant recipients with diabetes experienced higher morbidity rates due to post-transplant complications, particularly diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Despite this, obesity did not negatively affect survival rates.
Most high-risk cardiac devices in use today approved as modifications to previously-approved devices
A study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that most cardiac implantable electronic devices were approved as changes to existing PMA-approved models without new clinical data. This raises concerns about patient safety, particularly for devices such as the St. Jude Medical Riata and Medtronic Sprint Fidelis defibrillator leads.
Geography plays a major role in access to pediatric kidney transplantation in the US
A new study reveals substantial geographic variation in waiting times for children needing kidney transplants, with local organ supply and demand affecting outcomes. The findings suggest that a broader geographic sharing of kidneys is necessary to address these disparities.
Bald reef gets new growth with seaweed transplant
Researchers from UNSW successfully transplanted Phyllospora comosa onto two barren reef sites in Sydney, where it once thrived. The transplanted species not only survived but also reproduced, creating a potential self-sustaining population and restoring a vital habitat for marine organisms.
Study identifies potential new strategy to improve odds of corneal transplant acceptance
A UT Southwestern Medical Center study found that blocking immune system molecule interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and matching major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genotypes can improve corneal transplant acceptance rates in mice. The strategy enhances long-term graft survival, almost guaranteeing success.
Obesity associated with higher risk of hearing loss in women
Higher body mass index (BMI) and larger waist circumference are associated with higher risk of hearing loss in women. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity can potentially delay or prevent hearing loss.
When the living and the deceased don't agree on organ donation
A new study reveals that US organ procurement organizations' implementation of First Person Authorization (FPA) has been inconsistent and incomplete. Despite legal backing from state laws, half the groups surveyed did not have a written policy for handling family objections.
Development and clinical approval of biodegradeble magnesium alloy
Researchers at KIST developed a biodegradable magnesium alloy that can be used in orthopedics and plastic surgery. The alloy has been approved for clinical testing and is expected to reshape the landscape in fracture treatment.
Perceived discrimination and mistrust in health care lowers patients' quality of life
A new study found that kidney failure patients who experienced discrimination and mistrust in healthcare had poorer quality of life. Patients who reported greater medical mistrust and lower trust in their physicians also showed decreased quality of life.
Repurposed drug may be first targeted treatment for serious kidney disease
A new study finds that treatment with abatacept appears to halt the course of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in patients, preventing proteinuria and promoting remission. Abatacept has been shown to be effective in treating patients with recurrent disease and those at high risk for kidney failure.
Patients with heart failure need specialist care
A Swedish study reveals that many heart failure patients are undertreated, with high mortality rates associated with poor pump capacity, kidney function, blood count, and lack of ACE inhibitors and beta blockers. The study suggests referring these patients to heart failure specialists for evaluation and treatment.
Fecal transplant pill knocks out recurrent C. diff infection, study shows
A study found a pill-based fecal transplant to be effective in stopping recurrent C. diff infections, achieving a 100% success rate among patients. The treatment involves taking capsules containing fecal bacteria, rebalancing the gut microbiome and preventing future infections.
In patients with acute cholecystitis, surgery should be performed immediately
A study published in Annals of Surgery found that immediate surgery reduces complications and shortens hospital stays by up to 50% compared to delaying surgery. Patients who underwent early surgery had fewer complaints and were discharged earlier, resulting in lower hospitalization costs.
Scientists identify key predictors of death and transplantation in children with heart muscle disease
Children with inherited metabolic diseases, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or multiple risk factors have worse prognosis. Younger age, lower weight, congestive heart failure, and abnormal left ventricle structure are significant risk factors for death or transplantation.
Risk factors help predict outcomes for children with rare heart condition
A long-term study found that infants and children with congestive heart failure and genetic disorders have the lowest transplant-free survival rates. Children diagnosed after one year old with unknown cause have the best outcome, a 97% rate of transplant-free survival.
Article examines fecal microbiota transplantation in the August issue of GIE®
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown remarkable cure rates for recurrent C. difficile infection, with up to 92% of patients cured and an astounding 98% secondary cure rate. FMT also treats various GI disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
Unemployment restricts access to kidney transplants, UNH research finds
Researchers found that patients who are retired and/or disabled, working part time, or working full time are more likely to be placed on a transplant waiting list than unemployed patients. Transplant centers may restrict access due to concerns about post-transplant medical care costs and noncompliance with treatment.
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) conduit is suitable for repair of injured sciatic nerve
Researchers found that poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) conduit transplantation can significantly enhance the quality of sciatic nerve regeneration compared to traditional autogenous nerve grafting methods. The conduits increased maximum tensile load, stress, and elastic limit load while reducing strain.
Liver transplant patients have high rates of metabolic syndrome
A study found that nearly 59% of liver transplant patients experience metabolic syndrome, increasing heart disease and diabetes risks. Exercise intensity appears to be more important than duration in reducing metabolic syndrome complications.
Exercise may reduce heart disease risk in liver transplant recipients
Research reveals metabolic syndrome is common among liver transplant recipients, with exercise potentially reducing complications. The study suggests structured exercise programs during the first year after surgery could benefit patients.
Adolescent kidney transplant recipients appear to be at higher risk of transplant failure
Patients who received their first kidney transplant between ages 14 and 16 appear to be at increased risk for graft failure. Black adolescents have a disproportionately higher risk of graft failure compared to other age groups.
Obese kidney failure patients receive survival benefit from transplantation
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that obese kidney failure patients who receive a kidney transplant can live longer than non-obese patients. The survival benefit is lower for severely obese individuals, but improved early post-transplant care may help mitigate this risk.
Poorer health for acetaminophen overdose survivors than other liver failure patients
Patients who survived acetaminophen overdose have significantly lower overall health, reporting more days of impaired mental and physical health, pain, anxiety, and depression. The study also found that these patients had higher rates of substance abuse and psychiatric disease compared to non-overdose survivors and transplant recipients.
African-Americans on Medicaid are far less likely to receive living kidney transplants
A study by researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that African-Americans with Medicaid are significantly less likely to receive living kidney transplants compared to those with private insurance. This disparity is attributed to various factors, including limited access to living donors and resources.
Scientists discover new layer of the human cornea
Researchers at University of Nottingham have identified a previously undetected layer in the human cornea, known as Dua's Layer. This breakthrough discovery could lead to safer and simpler surgical procedures for patients undergoing corneal grafts and transplants.
Patients with end-stage kidney disease have different expectations than their doctors
A new study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that doctors treating patients with kidney failure are reluctant to discuss a difficult prognosis, leading to distorted expectations about probable outcomes. The study suggests improved communication could help with end of life decision making.
Communication between physicians and patients important for expectations
A study found that seriously ill patients undergoing hemodialysis tend to be more optimistic than their physicians about their prognosis. Nephrologists rarely discuss estimated life-expectancy with patients, instead leaving it to patients to over-estimate their long-term survival rates.
Robotic transplant an option for obese kidney patients
Obese patients who received robotic kidney transplants had significantly fewer wound complications than those receiving traditional open surgery. This minimally invasive procedure provides a better quality of life for high-risk patients often bypassed for transplantation.
More African-Americans have kidney transplants, but few are from live donors
African Americans receive more kidney transplants than other minority groups, but they have fewer live donors, according to a new study. The disparity in live donation may be due to lower numbers of potential donors among African Americans due to higher rates of obesity and diabetes.
Dramatic decrease in risk of death for children on dialysis
A new study published in JAMA finds that the risk of death for children on dialysis has dramatically decreased over time, with a 20% reduction in mortality risk every five years. This improvement is attributed to better pre-dialysis care, advances in dialysis technology, and reduced waiting times for transplants.
Helping kids with severe respiratory failure survive until lung transplantation
A new pumpless paracorporeal lung assist device has been successfully used to support young children with severe respiratory failure until they can undergo a lung transplant. The device helped patients recover or reach the average wait time for pediatric donor lungs, offering improved survival chances.
Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for May 7, 2013
Researchers found that ambrisentan treatment worsened IPF progression and hospitalization rates. Assessing acute changes in Lung Allocation Score can inform organ wait-list strategies to reduce post-transplant mortality. Inexpensive behavioral interventions helped TB patients in poor countries quit smoking, offering a basis for effecti...
Incarceration, marijuana use and suicide attempts may hinder liver transplant eligibility
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that US transplant providers would not offer transplants to patients with advanced age, severe obesity, or lifetime imprisonment. The majority also believe marijuana use and psychiatric diagnoses are contraindications for liver transplantation.
Low vitamin D linked with lower kidney function after transplantation
A study found that low vitamin D levels at three months post-transplantation were associated with lower kidney function and increased scarring at one year. Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with kidney failure. Maintaining normal vitamin D levels may prevent renal function deterioration after transplantation.
Education for kidney failure patients may improve chances living donor transplantation
A study found that patients with greater knowledge and motivation about transplantation are more likely to receive a living donor transplant. This suggests that improving patient education may help reduce disparities in transplantation outcomes.
Wearable artificial lung to be developed at Pitt through $3.4 million grant
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing a wearable artificial lung to serve as a bridge to transplant or recovery in patients with acute and chronic lung failure. The device, called PAAL, is designed to provide longer-term respiratory support while maintaining excellent blood compatibility.
43 percent reduction in deaths from paracetamol due to smaller pack sizes
Research in England and Wales reveals a significant reduction in paracetamol overdose deaths due to smaller pack sizes, with a 43% decrease over 11 years. However, the study's authors caution that this trend may not continue if further measures are not taken to limit the death toll.
ISHLT issues new guidelines for care of mechanical circulatory support device patients
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) has published new guidelines for the care of patients with mechanical circulatory support devices. The guidelines, developed by a team of experts, provide recommendations for patient selection, risk management, and long-term care.
Synthetic 'poop' can cure C. difficile infection, study finds
Researchers have created a synthetic stool called RePOOPulate to cure C. difficile infections, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments. The artificial poop was tested on two patients with chronic infections and showed promising results in eliminating the infection.
Joslin scientists: Brown adipose tissue beneficial for metabolism and glucose tolerance
Joslin scientists have discovered that brown adipose tissue has beneficial effects on glucose tolerance, body weight, and metabolism. The study showed improved insulin sensitivity, lower body weights, and decreased fat mass in mice with BAT transplantation.
Rejected hearts now viable for transplantation after stress echo
Researchers have identified 35 hearts without significant coronary artery disease that are eligible for transplantation using pharmacological stress echo. The study found successful transplantation in emergency recipients with minimal complications, paving the way for an upward shift in donor age cut-off limit from 55 to 65 years.
University of Cincinnati leads first trial on steroid and CNI withdrawal post-transplant
The Belatacept Early Steroid withdrawal Trial (BEST) seeks to determine if a belatacept-based regimen can prevent organ rejection in post-transplant patients. Led by the University of Cincinnati, the trial will enroll 315 new kidney transplant patients and evaluate the safety and efficacy of steroid-free immunosuppression.
UC to study generic vs. brand-name transplant drugs with a $2.7 million FDA grant
The University of Cincinnati will conduct a clinical trial studying the immunosuppressant tacrolimus against two generic manufacturers in liver and kidney transplant patients. The study aims to address concerns over the quality, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic efficacy of generic drugs compared to brand-name products.
Kidney grafts function longer in Europe than in the United States
A study found that kidney transplants performed in Europe have higher survival rates after 5 and 10 years compared to those in the United States. The disparity may be attributed to the lack of cost reimbursement for anti-rejection drugs in the US, leading to poorer outcomes among certain demographics.
Mayo Clinic: Melanoma up to 2.5 times likelier to strike transplant, lymphoma patients
Transplant recipients and lymphoma patients are at higher risk of developing melanoma, which can be fatal if not detected early. They should be aware of their skin changes and consult a dermatologist regularly.
Cystic fibrosis patients of low SES are less likely to be accepted for lung transplant
Adult cystic fibrosis patients with lower socioeconomic status are less likely to be accepted for lung transplant after initial evaluation. The study found that Medicaid insurance, income zip codes, and education level were associated with increased odds of rejection.
Quality of life and treatment of late-stage chronic kidney disease
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that renal transplantation offers the best treatment option for improving quality of life in people with late-stage chronic kidney disease. In contrast, home-based automated peritoneal dialysis provides a better quality of life than continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.
Antibody prevents hepatitis C in animal model
Researchers developed a monoclonal antibody that protects chimpanzees from HCV infection in a dose-dependent manner. The study provides preclinical proof-of-concept for the use of neutralizing antibodies to prevent HCV transmission, which could lead to improved treatment options for patients with end-stage liver disease.
Groundbreaking clinical trial looks at fecal transplant as treatment for C. difficile
A groundbreaking clinical trial is underway to test the safety and efficacy of fecal transplantation as a treatment for relapsing C. difficile infection. The study aims to demonstrate that fecal transplant is a viable, safe, and curative option for patients suffering from recurring C. difficle.
Race, insurance status related to likelihood of being assessed for kidney transplantation
Patients under 35 years old and those without private health insurance are more likely to be overlooked when starting dialysis, according to a recent study. The findings highlight the need to address racial and socioeconomic disparities in kidney transplantation.
Guam conservation efforts progress
The US Department of the Navy has initiated a project to conserve the fadang tree species in Guam, with over 90% of trees killed by invasive insects. The partnership between the Navy and University of Guam aims to develop strategies for successful cycad transplantation and conservation.
Current and former smokers at risk for recurrent hepatitis post-liver transplantation
Research finds that tobacco use increases the risk of viral hepatitis reinfection after liver transplantation. Smokers may experience lower immune system response, making them more susceptible to complications.
Noninvasive imaging technique may help kids with heart transplants
Cardiologists at WashU Medicine have developed a noninvasive imaging technique to detect coronary artery disease in pediatric heart transplant patients, reducing the need for invasive tests. The technique uses contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI to assess coronary arteries and has shown promising results, although further study is needed.
Exercise program improved health of lung transplant patients and cut cardiovascular risk
A three-month exercise program significantly improved lung transplant patients' health-related quality of life and reduced their risk of cardiovascular problems. The study found that patients who exercised had higher quadriceps muscle force, longer walking distances, and better physical functioning compared to those in the control group.
Successful pregnancies possible for women following liver transplantation
A study of 450 pregnancies among 306 liver transplant recipients found lower miscarriage risk, higher live birth rates, and better delivery outcomes than the general population.
Study: Why hot, humid air triggers symptoms in patients with mild asthma
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that hot, humid air triggers an increase in airway resistance in patients with mild asthma, leading to coughing and airway constriction. Inhaling an asthma drug before exposure to hot, humid air prevented this reaction.