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.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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.
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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 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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
A study of 50 patients with treatment-resistant lupus found an overall 5-year survival rate of 84% after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The longest continuous duration of remission was 7.5 years, with a 2% treatment-related death rate.
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Research suggests Cyclosporine may be a beneficial primary immunosuppression for HCV patients, achieving better antiviral effects than Tacrolimus when combined with interferon. However, the use of Cyclosporine also increases the risk of infections and hepatitis complications.
Researchers studied 18 cystic fibrosis patients who experienced variceal bleeding and found that most could manage without liver replacement. The study's findings challenge the common assumption that CF patients with bleeding complications are poor candidates for liver transplants.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) has increased in Canada and worldwide since 1980, with 25,000 Canadians receiving life-sustaining treatment. Despite its benefits, there is a marked regional disparity in transplant rates, highlighting the need for tailored guidelines on eligibility across various criteria.
A study found that HIV-positive patients with end-stage liver disease have a high risk of early death, likely due to weakened immune systems. The authors recommend closer monitoring and earlier transplant evaluation for these patients to minimize the risk.
The pediatric acute liver study, directed from Children's, will investigate the causes and treatment of acute liver failure in children. The three aspects of the study include developing a registry, therapeutic clinical trials, and basic research into genetic causes of the condition.
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A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patients who underwent stem-cell transplantation have similar rates of hospitalization, diseases, and psychological health as those who did not receive a transplant. However, they reported higher incidence of musculoskeletal problems and poor long-term sexual health.
Researchers discovered that low doses of azithromycin can halt and reverse lung function decline in the majority of lung transplant patients with BOS, offering a new hope for treatment.
Mayo Clinic's new treatment protocol combining radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and liver transplantation has significantly improved the five-year survival rate for patients with bile duct cancer to 82%. The treatment enables surgeons to remove the entire liver and obtain better tumor clearance.
Research suggests that high blood lactate levels can accurately predict a poor outcome in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). The study examined the relationship between serum phosphate and lactate levels in FHF patients, finding that lactate levels were significantly higher in those who died or underwent a transplant.
Researchers found that alendronate, combined with calcium and vitamin D, significantly prevented further bone loss in liver transplant patients for four months after the procedure. After three years, patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis showed improved BMD despite not reaching normal levels.
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A recent study found a significant percentage of patients who received a liver transplant due to alcoholic liver disease also used tobacco post-transplant. The majority of smokers resumed their habit quickly and showed increased consumption over time, highlighting the need for more stringent monitoring and intervention.
A study of 11 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who have failed standard chemotherapy found that Zevalin was effective in inducing partial and complete responses in three patients. The treatment was well-tolerated, with side effects including thrombocytopenia and neutropenia.
Research finds that high cyclosporine levels are associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation. The study suggests tailoring immunosuppressive schedules to individual patients based on their tumor biology, and recommends minimizing exposure to cyclosporine to prevent recurrence.
A study of 752 French patients found that shorter graft ischemic times were associated with improved long-term survival after single or double lung transplantation. The median ischemic time was 240 minutes, and a cutoff time of 330 minutes was identified as best discriminating between survivors and non-survivors.
A study of liver transplant patients with hepatitis C found that donor age does not impact long-term survival rates. Instead, maintenance azathioprine was associated with improved overall and 3-month survival rates, suggesting a complex relationship between immunosuppression and disease progression.
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Researchers debate the ethics of commercial cord blood banking, citing logistical difficulties and low probabilities of use. While some argue for private sector involvement, others raise concerns about exploiting emotional vulnerabilities of parents for financial gain.
Researchers found that adding serum sodium to the MELD score significantly increases its accuracy in predicting short-term mortality among liver transplant patients with advanced cirrhosis. The study showed that hyponatremia was a more accurate marker of poor outcome than serum creatinine.
A new study published in the Journal of Cardiac Surgery found that older patients who receive a heart transplant fare just as well as younger counterparts, even many years after surgery. The study showed no statistically significant differences between heart transplant recipients aged over 60 and those under 60.
Researchers used 3D MDCT to evaluate patients before surgery and found that abnormal liver artery anatomy increases the risk of complications after a transplant. The study analyzed over 80 patients and found that those with variant anatomy were more likely to experience post-surgical complications.
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A multicenter study found that early steroid withdrawal after liver transplantation increased acute rejection rates, but may decrease the risk of long-term cardiovascular disease and mortality. The study suggested that earlier withdrawal could lead to improved glucose tolerance and reduced metabolic complications.
A recent study supports the use of mechanical assistance as a standard of care for treating acute and chronic heart failure, particularly in high-risk patients. The findings have implications for funding artificial heart programs, increasing access to this life-saving treatment.
A study found that patients who received liver transplants from living donors are more likely to experience severe Hepatitis C recurrence. The research, led by Xavier Forns, investigated the effect of donor life status on HCV patient outcomes and discovered a significant association between living donor transplantation and severe disea...
The study confirmed that islet transplantation works for patients with serious and unstable type 1 diabetes, allowing them to be free from daily insulin injections for up to one year. Few treatment-related complications were noted, with minor side effects such as mouth ulcers and diarrhea.
A new study found that lung transplants significantly increase the survival rate of cystic fibrosis patients by almost 4.5 years. The study followed 247 patients with CF who were on the waiting list for lung transplantation and found that the risks associated with the surgery decreased over time.
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Researchers identified 13 possible protein markers present in most urine samples from patients with organ rejection, but absent from those without. A urine test using a combination of biomarkers correctly identified 91% of samples, offering a risk-free and more accurate alternative to traditional kidney biopsy.
The study found that 4-MDCT results correlated accurately with surgical findings in 88 of the cases (93%), and specifically with renal vein anatomy in 91 of the 94 cases (96%). This technique offers several advantages over conventional imaging methods, including speed, non-invasiveness, comfort for patients, and greater volume coverage.
A Temple University study found that patients with diseased aortic valves before receiving an LVAD have significantly lower survival to transplant rates. Conversely, those with normal aortic valves have higher survival rates, suggesting the importance of valve repair or upgrade in heart transplant optimization.