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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study presented at Heart Failure Congress 2012 found that statin therapy prevents cancer and reduces death from all causes in heart transplant recipients. Cancer is the leading cause of death late after heart transplantation, with skin cancer being particularly common.
Surgeons successfully removed tumors from patients with unresectable abdominal cancers by using synthetic vascular grafts and re-implanting organs. All three patients are alive with no tumor recurrence after 2 to 4 years.
Researchers at Queen's University are developing a synthetic stool mixture that could replace stool transplants as a treatment for C. difficile. This new approach aims to eliminate the risk of transmitting infectious diseases through fecal bacteria, improve patient acceptance, and provide a single-dose remedy.
A new study found that liver cancer patients are less likely to die on the wait list than non-HCC candidates, with HCC patients having substantially lower odds of waitlist removal for death or deterioration. The researchers argue that exception points currently allotted for HCC should be lowered.
A new study suggests that fecal transplantation is clearly better than any other treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. The procedure showed an outstanding result in a patient group unresponsive to other treatment methods, with no serious adverse events observed during a one-year period.
A Michigan State University anthropologist has exposed the horrific experiences of poor people who were victims of organ trafficking. Moniruzzaman's study found that kidney sellers are often plagued with health problems and receive inadequate compensation.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in cultivating stem cells on human corneas, a potential game-changer for patients awaiting corneal transplants. The successful cultivation of stem cells on human corneas could eventually eliminate the shortage of donated corneas, allowing for more people to receive life-changing transplants.
A $300,000 grant from the US Department of Defense is being used to study the mental and physical discomfort experienced by patients undergoing limb loss or congenital absence. The goal is to develop more effective rehabilitation strategies by understanding changes in brain organization and behavior.
A new study found that patient education classes can improve access to kidney transplant evaluations for blacks and patients living in poor neighborhoods. After implementing a required educational session, 80.4% of patients completed an evaluation within one year, compared to 44.7% before the program.
Research reveals that cirrhosis patients losing muscle mass have a significantly shorter survival rate than those with normal muscle mass. The study's findings suggest that muscle mass should be considered alongside current scoring systems when assessing transplant list placement.
Researchers found that cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a significant predictor of mortality in patients after liver transplantation. The study showed that patients with higher fitness levels had lower mortality rates, making CPET a valuable tool for assessing liver transplant candidates.
A new study suggests that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support in awake, non-intubated patients may be an effective strategy for bridging patients to lung transplantation. The study found a higher six-month survival rate among awake ECMO patients compared to conventional mechanical ventilation.
Research from Michigan Medicine shows a 15% increase in post-liver transplant kidney failure among recipients since the implementation of Model of End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) allocation. Modifiable risk factors identified include African American race, hepatitis C, and pre-transplant diabetes.
A UCSF-led study found that children with biliary atresia who received maternal liver grafts had a failure rate of 3.7%, compared to 10.5% for paternal grafts. The researchers believe higher levels of maternal cells may establish tolerance and acceptance of maternal organs.
A study found that green tea flavonoid EGCG inhibits the entry of hepatitis C virus into liver cells, suggesting a potential antiviral strategy to prevent reinfection following liver transplantation. The researchers investigated the effect of EGCG on HCV in preventing attachment and spread within liver cells.
Repeatedly taking slightly too much paracetamol over time can lead to a dangerous staggered overdose. Patients with staggered overdoses often have low levels of paracetamol in their blood despite being at high risk of liver failure and death, according to Dr Kenneth Simpson.
Research on container-grown trees found that deep structural roots contribute to physiological stresses and abnormally deep roots. Remediation techniques reduced growth delays in pin oak, while littleleaf linden showed more persistent issues after three years.
Children of minority races are less likely to get kidney transplants before they need dialysis, and blacks with no health insurance face a higher risk of death while waiting for a transplant. Certain racial groups have lower rates of preemptive transplantation and are more likely to die than others
Fecal microbiota transplants have shown high efficacy in treating recurrent C. difficile infections, with a success rate of 91% in one study. The procedure has also been effective in treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease, particularly when done recurrently. Researchers found that fecal transplant is a safe and effective treatment option ...
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation reveals that women who undergo a kidney transplant can successfully carry a pregnancy with a live birth rate of 73.5%. However, pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and preterm delivery are common, especially among those pregnant within two years of the transplant.
African-American donors were more likely to be related to the transplant recipient and to donate to their parents compared to Caucasian donors. The study also found that most African-American kidney donors are men and younger than white donors, which may explain why African-American children are more often able to donate to their parents.
A recent study found that public reporting of transplant centers' success rates has not improved care for patients, with wide gaps remaining between the best and worst clinics. The new method revealed that gaps persisted after public reporting was introduced in 2001, missing potential improvements in patient outcomes.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that anti-reflux surgery can preserve lung function in patients with end-stage pulmonary disease both before and after transplantation. The procedure was associated with improved lung function, reduced episodes of acute rejection and pneumonia, and may help extend t...
A study published in JAMA found that younger black patients undergoing dialysis have significantly higher mortality rates compared to their white counterparts. The disparity is attributed to differential access to transplantation and inadequate dialysis care. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address these di...
A new Johns Hopkins research published in JAMA finds that younger black patients on kidney dialysis face a higher risk of death compared to equally sick white counterparts. The study highlights a long-standing racial disparity in outcomes for African-American patients with end-stage kidney disease.
Researchers found that pediatric liver-transplant patients required a second vaccination to defend against the pandemic virus, as a single-dose H1N1 vaccine did not provide adequate protection. A study published in Liver Transplantation revealed that increasing time since transplant correlated with successful immune response.
A study found that children with dilated cardiomyopathy who have congestive heart failure, severe disease, increased age, and dilation of the left ventricle are at higher risk of death or transplantation. The study's findings may lead to broadened indications for heart transplantation in more children.
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) face a higher risk of death when accessing tertiary care centers, according to recent research. Early detection and referral methods can shorten the time from symptoms onset to referral, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a new twin-head 'V' high-wire cucumber system to improve productivity in greenhouses without increasing crop start-up costs. The study showed that the twin-head system achieved similar plant growth and fruit yield as the conventional single-head system, but with lower production expenses.
Physicians at Washington University used an artificial lung to treat a two-year-old boy with severe pulmonary hypertension, saving his life. The boy, Owen Stark, was initially treated with medication and a ventilator before being placed on the life-support machine called ECMO.
A new study reveals that patients implanted with the HeartMate II left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are at a higher risk of internal bleeding than those who received an earlier model. The research found nearly 22% of patients experienced gastrointestinal bleeding, while eight percent suffered from major adverse neurological events.
A Canadian study found Aboriginal children with kidney failure were less likely to receive a kidney transplant compared to white children. The study revealed that Aboriginal children had more immune-mediated kidney diseases and shorter waiting times on dialysis before transplantation, leading to lower rates of successful transplants.
Cardiac specialists will use new guidelines to determine who should receive a mechanical heart-pumping device. The guidelines have the potential to change clinical practice patterns for patients with severe heart failure. Dr. Morgan's presentation at the ISHLT annual meeting in San Diego highlights the importance of these changes.
A study at Henry Ford Hospital found that non-cardiac surgery can be performed safely in patients with a heart device. The study looked at the management of blood-thinning medication and found no complications due to bleeding or device malfunctions.
Spanish researchers found that liver transplant recipients who quit smoking have a lower incidence of smoking-related malignancies, while active smoking increases the risk. Smoking cessation after liver transplantation reduces the incidence of malignancy, suggesting it may be a protective factor.
Research reveals significant increases in ESRD incidence among patients with lupus nephritis, particularly in younger populations and African Americans. Despite advances in treatment, outcomes have not improved over a decade, highlighting the need for further research to identify modifiable risk factors and interventions.