Articles tagged with Transplantation
A new generation of implanted devices has shown astounding improvements in survival, quality of life, reduced complications, and device durability in patients with heart failure. The newer devices have a higher success rate, allowing patients to walk longer distances and improving their overall well-being.
Research at CHEST 2009 found that patients who have undergone a liver transplant are at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. Additionally, Asian Indians experience heart attacks at an earlier age than Caucasians, suggesting potential disparities in ...
A new study found that extending hepatitis C treatment after liver transplant results in high rates of virus clearance and a low relapse rate, with only 8 percent of patients experiencing a relapse after 52 weeks of treatment.
A study found that dialysis patients who travel on vacation risk infections, anemia, and other complications. Travelers are advised to take extra precautions to minimize these risks.
Recent medical school graduates are more likely to refer CKD patients for preemptive kidney transplantation, which can improve patient outcomes. The study suggests that educating veteran physicians about the benefits of preemptive transplantation may increase early referrals.
A study found that kidney transplant consent forms are written at a 12th-grade reading level, but should be prepared at a 5th-8th grade reading level to ensure all patients can provide informed consent. This disparity may lead to unequal access to treatment and health outcomes among different patient populations.
Small-for-size graft dysfunction can occur in liver transplant patients with a graft-to-recipient body weight ratio above 0.8%. The study found that patients with a high GV/SLV ratio were more likely to develop early graft dysfunction, highlighting the importance of prompt recognition and timely treatment.
A study has found that coronary angiography does not harm kidney function in advanced chronic kidney disease patients, enabling better transplant decisions. The test detected coronary artery disease in some patients, making them unsuitable for transplantation until their heart complications were addressed.
A study by researchers from the University of Colorado found that hepatologists believe metabolic complications are common in liver transplant patients but poorly controlled. The majority of respondents felt that these complications significantly contributed to morbidity and mortality 10 years after transplantation. Barriers to control...
A cohort study of 120 women who gave birth after receiving a kidney transplant found no differences in kidney function or patient survival compared to those who did not have children. The study's findings provide good news for kidney transplant women who fear getting pregnant due to concerns about their health and lifespan.
A new study found that extending preventive treatment for CMV infection post-kidney transplant reduces the risk of disease by nearly two-thirds. This approach also proves cost-effective, offsetting increased costs with reduced cases of CMV disease.
Researchers found that gut bacteria of transplant patients with an ileostomy opening were dominated by facultative anaerobes, while those without an ileostomy had strictly anaerobic populations. The study suggests the gut can have two stable bacterial ecosystems, one tolerant to oxygen and another not.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that women, blacks, and Medicare recipients are less likely to be evaluated for liver transplantation. The research followed 144,507 patients hospitalized with liver-related conditions, revealing disparities in the evaluation process.
A recent study found similar waitlist and post-transplant outcomes among Asian Americans, African Americans, and Caucasians with HBV. However, Caucasians had a higher rate of HBV recurrence, which needs further validation.
Researchers found that retrieving kidneys from uncontrolled non-heart-beating donors after sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrests can lead to a 10% increase in transplantation rates. The procedure, which raises ethical concerns, has the potential to alleviate organ shortages.
A recent study led by Keith Lindor found that patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) who received high-dose ursodeoxycholic acid experienced poorer clinical results compared to those receiving a placebo. The therapy was associated with an increased risk of death, transplantation, and liver damage.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) enhances visualization of hepatic arteries, portal veins, and bridging veins, as well as liver graft parenchyma perfusion. CEUS has high sensitivity and specificity for detecting vascular complications after liver transplantation.
A University of Alberta study shows that heart transplant recipients can significantly improve their physical fitness, including cardio-respiratory fitness, muscle mass, and maximal strength. However, exercise training did not improve heart or blood-vessel function.
This study investigated microproteinuria as an indicator for CNI-related nephrotoxicity in liver transplant recipients. Microproteinuria, including β2-microglobulin and α1-microglobulin, was found to be a sensitive marker for detecting CNI-related nephrotoxicity, with correlations between urinary levels and renal function reductions.
Even mild acute kidney injury is associated with reduced patient and graft survival, while the strictest definition linked to poor outcomes including cardiovascular events and end-stage renal disease.
A study of liver transplant patients found that HIV positive individuals have similar survival rates to those who are HIV negative. However, co-infection with hepatitis C virus significantly predicts poorer outcomes in this patient group, emphasizing the need for targeted antiviral therapy.
A new study found that donor-related risk factors, yet to be identified, contribute measurably to the success or failure of kidney transplants. The study examined pairs of recipients who received kidneys from the same deceased donor and found significant correlations between unmeasured risk factors and delayed graft function and kidney...
A study found that stem cell transplantation significantly increased C-peptide levels and improved glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes, leading to prolonged insulin independence. The treatment has the potential to reverse type 1 DM in humans, but further studies are needed to confirm its role.
A new risk score identifies patients who are likely to receive a survival benefit from combined heart and kidney transplants, based on factors such as peripheral vascular disease, age, and kidney function. The study found that low-risk patients with combined kidney failure and heart failure may benefit from combined transplantation.
Researchers developed computer-generated chains of kidney transplantations that start with altruistic donors, providing a viable alternative to paired donations. The models assign values to donor characteristics, generating pairings based on similar scores and overcoming issues in the matching market.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons suggests that lung transplantation can be a viable option for patients older than 60, as long as they are younger than 70. The research found that mortality rates after one year were significantly higher for patients over 70 compared to those under 70.
The American Board of Medical Specialties approves a new subspecialty in Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology, which will provide high-level care for patients with worsening heart failure. The first certified cardiologists will be trained by 2010, offering improved treatment options and outcomes for heart failure patients.
A study reveals that adolescents who undergo kidney transplants have a significantly higher prevalence of psychiatric conditions, including depression, phobia, and ADHD. They also experience educational impairment and social isolation. The study highlights the need for routine screening and support to address these challenges.
Researchers found that blocking off the splenic artery helped six out of seven patients suffering from small-for-size syndrome after a partial liver transplant. This approach improved liver function tests and prevented complications in most cases.
A comprehensive hospital discharge program reduced re-hospitalizations by 30% and improved patient self-perceived preparation for discharge. New immunochemical fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) vary in detecting colorectal cancer, with sensitivity rates ranging from 25% to 72%.
Younger women have equivalent access to kidney transplants as their male counterparts. However, older women receive transplants significantly less frequently than older men. The study found that for every age group analyzed, women had a similar or slightly higher survival benefit from transplantation compared to men.
A study by American Society for Horticultural Science evaluated direct-seeding short-day onions in southeastern Georgia. Direct seeding was found to be a cost-effective alternative to traditional hand-transplanting methods, which rely on a migrant labor force.
A new set of criteria, called Up-to-seven, has been identified to help select patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who can benefit from liver transplantation. The criteria assess the size and number of tumors, and suggest that some patients who previously did not meet the Milan criteria may still be good candidates for transplant.
A study comparing two immunosuppression tapering approaches for kidney transplant recipients with BKVAN found that reducing immunosuppressive therapy can lower the risk of graft loss. Early withdrawal of immunosuppressive drugs within one month after diagnosis reduced graft loss by two-thirds.
A recent study found that racial disparities in liver transplantation have decreased since the introduction of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score system. In contrast, sex-based disparities persist, with women being less likely to receive a liver transplant within three years of listing.
A study at Duke University Medical Center found that ventricular assist devices (VADs) have high hospital costs and high early death rates among Medicare recipients. The study analyzed data on nearly 3,000 patients who received a VAD between 2000 and 2006, finding that only half were alive one year later.
A study found that African-Americans in Canada have better health outcomes after receiving a kidney transplant compared to their US counterparts. Despite lower access to transplants, African-American Canadians experienced similar kidney survival rates and longer overall survival rates than Caucasians.
A study published in Liver International found that Canadian liver transplant centres are more willing to consider patients who smoke marijuana, while US programmes say no, highlighting the need for evidence-based eligibility criteria.
A study analyzing 75 right hepatectomies in living donors found that complications occurred in 30.6% of cases, with biliary tree reconstruction being the most common issue. Despite this, no life-threatening complications or deaths were reported among donors.
A recent US study shows that living donor liver transplants for acute liver failure patients can have high survival rates and acceptable risks. The study found that 70% of recipients survived after transplantation, while the donors experienced similar complication rates as other LDLT recipients.
A new study suggests that down-staging hepatocellular carcinoma can improve post-transplant outcomes for patients who undergo treatment. The research found that tumors with more favorable biology respond well to treatment and do well after liver transplantation.
Researchers have found that cigarette smoke significantly worsens the consequences of viral infections in mice, leading to increased immune responses and airway damage. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying the negative impact of cigarette smoke on lung health and may have implications for human disease preven...
A study found that patients receiving kidney transplants who took statin drugs had better survival rates compared to those who did not. Statin therapy was associated with a 36% lower risk of death in renal transplant recipients.
A study of 489 adult liver transplants found that older donors (age 60+) were not associated with negative outcomes in hepatitis C recipients. In fact, patients with and without hepatitis C had similar survival rates, suggesting the practice is safe. The expanded donor pool may help increase available organs for transplantation.
A team of scientists is living and working at 60 feet below the sea surface for an eight-day mission to investigate ways to improve coral reef restoration. They are transplanting corals into shallow and deep sites to study how different species respond to stressors.
Researchers highlight biological, societal, and healthcare-related factors contributing to racial disparities in chronic kidney disease. Healthcare providers are advised to improve communication, advocate for better systems, and conduct relevant research to provide personalized care.
A large US study found that sirolimus increases the risk of new-onset diabetes in kidney transplant recipients. The risk is higher when combined with other anti-rejection drugs and appears to be independent of other factors.
A study of caregivers of deceased lung transplant patients found that they reported poorly controlled symptoms and a worse quality of dying and death process, leading to significant depressive and PTSD symptoms. The researchers highlight the urgent need for improved support systems to alleviate caregiver stress.
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is leading the development of external and implantable heart pumps designed specifically for small children with heart failure. The hospital has received a $2.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to complete the development of an external centrifugal pump, known as PediVAS, which will...
A new CT imaging technique has significantly improved the outcome of living donor liver transplants by enhancing accurate visualization of vital bile duct anatomy. This innovation, adopted by radiologists at the University of Alberta Hospital, aims to reduce screening time and improve convenience for potential donors.
This meta-analysis found that aprotinin decreases intraoperative blood product needs and has no significant impact on postoperative bleeding, thromboembolic events, or mortality. More research is needed to confirm these results.
A combination therapy of Prostacyclin, Sildenafil, and Bosentan improved a young male patient with severe portopulmonary hypertension, allowing him to undergo liver transplantation. The therapy was also used post-transplant to maintain his health.
Bilateral lung transplantation in younger patients with end-stage COPD provides longer survival than single lung transplantation, with median survival times of 6.41 and 4.59 years, respectively. This finding holds true even after adjusting for pre-transplant characteristics.
Researchers found that combining ursodeoxycholic acid and glucocorticoids increases bicarbonate production in the bile, improving liver function. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments with fewer transplants, saving lives.
The review highlights the importance of carefully planned medical management to optimize outcomes for liver transplantation. Doctors emphasize the need for careful assessment, optimization, and timing for transplantation, leading to high long-term survival rates.
A study of 25,647 adult liver transplant candidates found that obesity alone should not exclude patients from transplantation. Patients with high BMIs experience a significant survival benefit from liver transplantation and have similar rates of mortality after transplant compared to patients with normal BMI.
A study on lung transplantation for children with cystic fibrosis found no survival advantage for young patients, contradicting previous research. Pediatric pulmonologist Julian Allen calls for more judicious referrals and social support for families making decisions about treatment.
The study found that a subtle disorder in optimal systemic hyperdynamic state influences portal venous flow, which is crucial for liver regeneration after LDLT. Maintaining an ideal systemic hemodynamic state ensures sufficient splanchnic blood flow and excellent clinical outcomes in cirrhotic LDLT recipients.
A study found that black patients living in poorer neighborhoods were less likely to be placed on transplant waiting lists than white patients. Community poverty was a significant factor, rather than distance from transplant centers.
A small, implantable device supporting the heart works equally well for men and women, benefiting twice as many women awaiting transplants. The device helps patients with severe congestive heart failure, enabling them to leave hospitals and return to active life.