Articles tagged with 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 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.
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.
Two studies found a significant increase in five- and ten-year survival rates for MM patients over the past decade, with younger patients showing the most dramatic improvement. Novel therapies have been credited with this trend, particularly among younger patients.
A recent study published in Hepatology found that minority patients do not have worse outcomes after liver transplantation when treated at high-volume academic medical centers. The study, led by W. Ray Kim, analyzed data from over 2,800 adult patients and found no relationship between recipient race and survival.
Researchers found beta blockers to be more effective and safer than banding in reducing the risk of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. The study, published in Liver Transplantation, compared the two treatments and found that beta blockers lowered the risk of bleeding by over 90%, while banding reduced the risk by less than 70%.
Researchers found that immunosuppressive drugs suppress beta-cell regeneration in diabetic mice, casting doubt on long-term islet transplantation success. This could lead to breakthroughs in regenerative islet transplantation and improved treatment for type 1 diabetics.
Researchers at Nottingham University have identified antibodies that can prevent infection with various strains of Hepatitis C virus in laboratory models. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a vaccine, which would significantly improve healthcare benefits for those suffering from hepatitis.
A Japanese patient with liver cirrhosis and HCV infection underwent liver transplantation and was cleared of the virus just one month later. The long-term use of PEGylated IFN may have contributed to this outcome.
Advanced age does not increase risk of death following liver transplant, according to a study. The authors analyzed 26 variables related to the recipients and found that preoperative hospitalization, cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C, and increasing model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score were associated with higher death rates.
Two studies have found significant gender-based differences in newborns' hearts and livers that may explain why female infant deaths are higher after heart surgery and pediatric liver transplants are less successful. Newborn girls' hearts accumulate more acid during ischemia, which may lead to injury, while their livers produce more an...
Researchers found that hospital mortality increased significantly according to the Child-Pugh classification, with a mortality rate of 10 percent for those with class A, 18 percent for those with class B, and 67 percent for those with class C. Postoperative complications were also higher in class B and C than in class A.
A new algorithm developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers can create matches for three- and four-way kidney exchanges, increasing the efficiency of kidney exchanges. The algorithm has already been used by the Alliance for Paired Donation, a kidney exchange program, to identify potential transplants and improve transplant rates.
A recent study published in Liver Transplantation found that more than 78 percent of living right liver donors experienced post-operative complications, with most being minor but some life-threatening. The modified Clavien system was used to classify the severity of complications, with Grade I being minor and Grade V resulting in death.
Researchers have successfully transplanted human gut microbes into mice, providing insights into the metabolic system and its effects on fat absorption and digestion. The study found that gut microbes influence bile acid metabolism and fiber breakdown, impacting overall health.
UPMC has started a study using the VentrAssist LVAD, a mechanical blood pump to assist the heart in pumping blood around the body. The study aims to enroll 30 patients for a multi-center feasibility trial to explore its safety and effectiveness as a bridge to transplantation.
A recent study found that obesity is a significant barrier to living kidney donation among African Americans, with over 30% of black donors excluded due to obesity. Social reasons, including failure to complete the donor evaluation process, also contribute to the low rates of donation.
A recent study found that CT and MRI are highly accurate in determining optimal candidates for liver transplantation in patients with cirrhosis. The study demonstrated agreement between radiology and pathology staging in 96.5-97.5% of patients, supporting the use of imaging tools in candidate selection.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CE-US) is highly accurate in identifying vascular and biliary complications after liver transplant, affecting up to 43.5% of patients. CE-US can accurately detect complications such as hepatic artery thrombosis, portal vein stenosis, and bile leaks.
A study of HCV patients post-liver transplantation reveals stagnant survival rates, contrasting with improving outcomes for non-HCV recipients. Researchers analyzed a large sample of US liver transplant data between 1991 and 2001, finding HCV patients had lower 3-year survival rates and no improvement in survival over time.
A study of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and complications of portal hypertension reveals significant racial disparities in treatment, with African-American and Hispanic patients less likely to receive palliative shunts, liver transplants, and prompt endoscopy. These disparities were independent of health insurance status.
A 4-step process can be completed quickly and efficiently to assess potential living liver donors. Despite challenges, the process results in a significant proportion of donors undergoing successful transplantation, emphasizing the importance of careful workup and informed consent.
A new implantable device has shown to effectively maintain heart function in transplant-listed patients, improving survival rates and quality of life. The study also explores the benefits of diuretic therapies in supporting left ventricular function, with promising results.
The study found that survival rates for patients with hepatitis B who need liver transplants are similar between those with and without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the higher likelihood of transplantation, 5-year survival rates were comparable between the two groups. The findings suggest that antiviral therapy may have bene...
Researchers used gene-expression profiling to identify donors with a strong reaction against recipient cells, leading to increased risk of graft-versus-host disease. Accurate MHC haplotype matching reduced mismatching-related risks.
A study found that liver transplant patients with a history of obesity, impaired fasting glucose, and hepatitis C infection are at increased risk of developing new-onset diabetes mellitus. The risk factors also include the use of certain immunosuppressants and cardiovascular risk factors.
The University of Minnesota's Maryam Valapour has received a grant to analyze the ethical and policy issues surrounding living-donor lung transplants. She aims to identify factors that encourage and discourage wider use of this procedure, which is currently less common than deceased donor transplants.
Researchers developed a treatment using mechanical Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) and certain drug therapies to shrink enlarged hearts and enable normal function. The therapy improved quality of life in 88% of patients who received the full combination, with nearly all recovering from heart disease five years later.
Researchers have identified a novel genetic change causing aHUS, a chronic disease that causes kidney failure and can be inherited. The mutation affects the factor H protein, which is crucial for controlling the complement system, and may lead to poor transplant outcomes.
A multicenter clinical trial confirmed the Edmonton Protocol's ability to safely promote long-term stabilization of blood sugar levels in 'brittle' diabetes patients, with some achieving insulin independence. Investigators also reported improved measures of blood glucose control and reversal of hypoglycemic unawareness.
The Edmonton Protocol clinical trial demonstrates islet transplantation as a promising procedure for managing severe Type 1 Diabetes, achieving insulin independence in 44% of recipients and improved blood sugar control. However, long-term sustainability varies, highlighting the need for continued research into this therapy.
Research published in Gut found that female liver transplant recipients live an average of 22 years after the procedure, compared to 18 years for men. The study analyzed data from over 2,700 patients and found that younger people tend to have longer life expectancy but also lose more years of life due to transplantation.
A new strategy called domino paired donation can match kidneys from living non-directed donors to recipients who have a willing but incompatible donor. This approach has the potential to increase both quantitative and qualitative benefit of each LND donation, leading to more transplants accomplished.
A study by the University of Alberta and other institutions found that living kidney donors incur various costs, including travel and accommodation expenses, lost income, and physical limitations after surgery. These costs can range from $837 to $28,900 per donor and may lead to financial burdens and disincentives for potential donors.
Research shows a survival rate of 84% in third year follow-up, greatly reduced infections and lymphoma-like disorders, with improved quality of life for children after transplantation.
A study found that a combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin achieved better results than standard therapy in patients with recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation. The treatment was more effective, especially when patients showed an early decline in viral load.
The face transplant technique has achieved an aesthetic outcome better than conventional methods, allowing the patient to regain ability to chew food and improve speech. However, substantial lifelong immunosuppression is required to prevent rejection, posing potential risks.
A study of nearly 600 female heart failure patients revealed that women had better outcomes with lower VO2 levels and less need for a heart transplant. The results challenge the current 'gold standard' for assessing treatment options, highlighting the importance of considering gender differences in heart failure management.
A study of 96 liver transplant patients found that 66% were fatigued, with physical fatigue and reduced activity being the primary concerns. Rehabilitation programs focusing on improving activity patterns and physical fitness may help alleviate fatigue after liver transplantation.
A study found that patients with HIV-HBV coinfection can successfully undergo liver transplantation without progression of viral disease, even in the setting of lamivudine resistance. Controlling HBV is crucial for survival, and ongoing monitoring will be essential to minimize liver-related complications.
A University of Alberta study found that older donor hearts are just as good as younger ones, with similar survival rates at the end of 10 years. Despite initial risks, such as increased mortality within 30 days and pretransplant diabetes, long-term outcomes were comparable.
Researchers at Children's Hospital in Pennsylvania have successfully performed liver transplants on patients with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a rare genetic disorder that causes amino acid accumulation. The study shows improved metabolic stability and reduced risk of brain swelling, stroke, and learning disabilities.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to measure indocyanine green elimination, correlating with traditional liver function tests. The test predicted poor outcomes and may improve liver transplant outcomes by guiding clinical management.
Researchers at UCSB have discovered that rapamycin, a widely available immunosuppressant, can strongly reduce cyst growth in kidneys affected by polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The treatment was found to shrink cysts and retain kidney function in mice with PKD.
Researchers found that PROCAM and SCORE accurately predict cardiovascular risk in liver transplant patients, outperforming the Framingham risk score. The study analyzed data from 303 patients who received a liver transplant between 1988 and 1994.
A study by Dr. Harris has shown promising results for the SAFE System, a hair replacement surgery that reduces trauma and increases accessibility for African-American and elderly patients. The procedure also boasts virtually pain-free surgery, faster recovery time, and increased efficiency for physicians.
Researchers found that HCV RNA levels decrease rapidly during and after transplantation, then increase within days. The study suggests the liver is the primary site of viral replication, with a non-hepatic source contributing to some viral production.