A recent study found that black women are less likely to want to receive kidney transplants from living donors, despite receiving more unsolicited offers from family and friends. Women were also less likely to be evaluated for a transplant, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to alleviate existing disparities.
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) shows promise in treating a broad range of gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. A new orally delivered community of microbes has been developed to address the challenges of FMT.
Researchers found that bacteria in the gut, rather than liver enzymes, are crucial for allowing herbivores to feed on toxic plants. Fecal transplants with microbes from creosote-eaters enabled woodrats to eat toxic creosote bushes, confirming their importance in adapting to new diets.
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that older kidney donors experience similar longevity and cardiovascular health as healthy individuals. The research, led by Dr. Peter Reese, suggests that donation does not significantly increase the risk of death or heart disease among older adults.
Researchers developed a new big data analysis technique to predict kidney transplant patient outcomes, providing doctors with valuable time to intervene. The technique uses complex algorithms to analyze hundreds of thousands of variables from blood samples, allowing for more accurate prognosis and improved patient recovery periods.
A new data analysis technique uses big data to predict poor kidney function after transplant, allowing doctors to intervene earlier and improve recovery periods. The study analyzed blood samples from 18 patients before and after transplants, revealing vital clues in molecular level data.
A study suggests that small changes to US kidney allocation policies can help alleviate geographic disparities in transplantation. Implementing local sharing strategies like the Statewide Sharing variance adopted by Tennessee and Florida has been shown to significantly reduce disparities, while other states saw increased disparities.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that feeding juvenile corals prior to transplantation significantly improved their survival rates. Coral recruits fed with a higher amount of food grew faster and larger than unfed corals, leading to higher post-transplantation survivorship.
Researchers found that smaller declines in estimated GFR are strongly associated with subsequent risk of end-stage renal disease. A new definition of kidney disease progression could shorten clinical trials and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that dialysis facilities in the Southeast have lower rates of kidney transplantation due to factors such as higher poverty levels and fewer staff. In contrast, Northeastern facilities had higher rates of transplantation, suggesting regional variations in access to care.
A study found that walking can significantly improve survival rates and reduce the need for dialysis among patients with stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease. Patients who walked regularly were 33% less likely to die and 21% less likely to require dialysis compared to non-walkers.
Researchers found that urinary ethyl glucuronide (uEtG) is the strongest marker of alcohol use, detecting consumption in 31% of participants. The study suggests combining uEtG with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for better alerting doctors to potential issues.
A new pilot study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that using frozen stool from healthy, unrelated donors was safe and effective in treating patients with relapsing diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile. The treatment was equally effective whether given via a colonoscope or a nasogastric tube.
Patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) may benefit from sirolimus, which slows disease progression and improves quality of life. However, the drug can complicate lung transplants due to potential fatal complications.
A new trial involving sofosbuvir demonstrated promising results for patients with recurring HCV post-liver transplant, achieving SVR12 in 62% of cases. Additionally, improvements in clinical conditions associated with hepatic decompensation and liver function tests were observed.
Henry Ford Hospital has implemented a kidney transplant technique using new patient safety standards coordinated by the University of Oxford. The IDEAL framework was used to develop and test the minimally-invasive procedure, which successfully transplanted kidneys in 50 recipients.
Researchers analyzed data from a center for professionalism and peer support at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital and found that employees continued to turn to the center for help, citing concerns about physician/scientist behavior. The interventions used were successful in creating substantive changes in behavior.
Researchers found that five out of 22 patients implanted with total artificial hearts survived until they could receive a heart transplant, with four successfully undergoing transplants and 13 still alive waiting for donor hearts. The study suggests the device may help improve patient outcomes for those in end-stage heart failure.
A new JAMA article suggests creating an unbiased review and certification process for mHealth apps to evaluate their clinical performance and data security. The authors propose multiple organizations that could be created to review and certify apps, similar to the role of Health On the Net Foundation in evaluating online medical content.
A new study found that patients with advanced cardiac insufficiency who remain active and have low levels of depression can significantly increase their chances of surviving the waiting period for a donor heart. The researchers recommend psychological counseling to help patients stay physically active and reduce symptoms of depression.
A team of Swedish researchers led by Professor Mats Brännström have successfully performed nine uterus transplants using live donors, a breakthrough in treating uterine infertility. The transplants involved five mother-daughter pairs and four close relatives, with no blood transfusions required during surgery.
The Italian Society of Nephrology and Springer are joining forces to promote renal diseases research. The new partnership aims to increase the quality and visibility of the Journal of Nephrology.
Aortic valve replacement improves symptoms but may not improve overall quality of life for high-risk patients. Researchers found rituximab to be ineffective in treating primary Sjögren's syndrome, while microsporidiosis should be considered in febrile transplant patients, especially those with unexplained illnesses.
A Japanese study found that sarcopenia, a loss of skeletal muscle mass, increases the risk of sepsis and mortality in patients undergoing live donor liver transplantation. Early nutritional support with enteral nutrition reduced sepsis rates in these patients. Treating malnutrition may reduce mortality risk following transplantation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...