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Outcomes for patients with hepatitis B who need liver transplants

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...

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateMar 2, 2007

Risk factors for diabetes following liver transplant

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.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJan 4, 2007

Mechanical 'artificial hearts' can remove need for heart transplant by returning heart to normal

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.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 1, 2006

Landmark study of islet transplantation reveals potential benefits in uncontrolled type 1 diabetes

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.

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 27, 2006

Kidney donors pay the price

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.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateJul 20, 2006

Treating hepatitis C recurrence after liver 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.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJul 6, 2006

Penn researchers question change in 'gold standard' for assessing heart failure treatment

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 5, 2006

Fatigue a lasting problem after liver transplantation

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.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJun 1, 2006

Liver transplants can be successful in HIV patients with Hepatitis B

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.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateMay 1, 2006

Pennsylvania researchers find liver transplants provide metabolic cure for rare genetic disease

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateApr 10, 2006

Hepatitis C recurs rapidly after liver transplant

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.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateFeb 2, 2006

Cyclosporine inhibits hepatitis C virus in vitro

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.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJan 5, 2006

Study finds overall health and quality of life intact 10 years after stem-cell transplantation

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.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 16, 2005

High blood lactate levels may indicate poor prognosis in liver failure

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.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateAug 25, 2005

Bone loss after liver transplants can be prevented

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.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJul 20, 2005

Tobacco use persists after liver transplant for alcoholic liver disease

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.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateMay 24, 2005

High levels of immunosuppressant may lead to tumor recurrence

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.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateApr 22, 2005

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for April 2005 (first issue)

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 1, 2005

Donor age has no affect on long-term liver transplant survival

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.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateMar 21, 2005

Biochemical marker aids prognosis in liver transplant patients

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.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateFeb 18, 2005

Higher incidence of rejection following early steroid withdrawal

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.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateDec 1, 2004

Hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation

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...

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateSep 9, 2004

Statins benefit for kidney-transplant patients

A large international study has found that kidney-transplant patients who receive statin therapy experience reduced cardiovascular risk and mortality. The study's findings support the use of statins as a preventive measure for these high-risk patients, particularly those with mild renal failure.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 2, 2003