Despite challenges such as donor shortages and socioeconomic disparities, adult heart transplantation has achieved remarkable success in the US and Western Europe. The two regions have embraced different approaches to transplantation systems, shaped by cultural and political attitudes.
A new study by Nagoya University researchers found that laparoscopic surgery significantly reduces blood loss and improves jaundice recovery compared to traditional open surgery for treating biliary atresia. The study analyzed data from 356 children who had surgery at two months old, tracking their outcomes for an average of 13 years.
A new electronic application highlights discrepancies between parents and children's views on the child's well-being, providing powerful insight into how children truly cope. This approach has broad implications beyond transplant medicine and may reshape patient-reported outcomes for pediatric chronic illnesses.
A newly developed tool called the DILI-Inpt prognostic score can predict which hospitalized patients with severe idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury are unlikely to recover on their own. The scoring system outperformed existing systems in identifying patients at high risk of death and liver transplant need.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in overcoming immune reactions behind human rejection of transplanted pig kidneys, paving the way for more successful clinical trials. The study reveals three major immune responses against the pig kidney and identifies potential biomarkers as early-warning systems for rejection.
A new machine learning model predicts the time of death for organ donors, enabling more efficient liver transplants. The model outperformed surgeon judgment and reduced futile procurements by 60%, making the transplant process more efficient and potentially allowing more candidates to receive a transplant.
A UCLA Health study found that women continue to face barriers in accessing lung transplants despite recent national policy changes. The new Composite Allocation Score system aimed to improve fairness, but inequities persist, with women still 16% less likely to undergo transplantation.
Dr. Kathryn Colby, NYU Langone Health's chair of ophthalmology, has received the prestigious Castroviejo Medal for her pioneering work on Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. Her research explores a new surgical procedure to stimulate corneal regeneration.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine develop a new method to generate functional endothelial cells from adult tissue, potentially enabling vascular grafts and organ transplants. The approach involves using small molecules to trigger cell division without aging or losing function.
Researchers aim to determine if biomarkers can identify adults at risk of developing interstitial lung disease (ILD), a chronic condition that causes inflammation and scarring in the lung tissue. The approach could lead to the development of new, better treatments with more tolerable side effects.
A USC Stem Cell-led team has successfully generated lab-grown kidney structures, or organoids, that exhibit kidney-like functions such as blood filtration and urine production. The 'assembloids' achieved maturity levels comparable to newborn mouse kidneys, paving the way for developing new therapies for patients awaiting transplant.
A case series of 19 patients has successfully undergone partial heart transplant, enabling valve growth and representing a novel approach to congenital heart disease treatment. Careful follow-up and monitoring are crucial for the continued expansion of this procedure.
New research from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center shows that partial match transplants can achieve good outcomes with cyclophosphamide treatment. Additionally, lifestyle medicine is playing a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes for cancer survivors.
Vanderbilt researchers have developed a groundbreaking method for recovering donor hearts after circulatory death, offering similar outcomes to existing techniques but with greater simplicity and lower costs. The new rapid recovery with extended ultra-oxygenated preservation (REUP) technique has been successfully deployed in three tran...
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a novel tool to help stratify rejection risk in kidney transplantation. They found that mismatching SIRP-alpha between donors and recipients contributes to worse rejection, scarring, and graft failure in humans, suggesting improved transplant outcomes.
A new treatment approach using cyclophosphamide has been found to prevent most graft-versus-host disease in mismatched transplants. The study shows that 80% of patients are alive after a year, similar to outcomes seen in fully matched transplants.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a method to coat Hepatic Progenitor Cells (HPCs) with natural sugars, making them stickier and increasing their ability to repair liver tissues. The coating does not harm the cells or stop them from working properly.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed pioneering therapies to prevent organ rejection without the need for immunosuppression. A recent phase 3 clinical trial found that 75% of participants were able to stop taking immunosuppressive medications for more than two years, with some patients staying off medication for over three years.
Researchers have developed a technique to grow stem cells into single sheets, increasing the secretion of signaling proteins that help repair tissue and regulate the immune system. This new approach could improve stem cell-based treatments for conditions such as heart disease, liver damage, and autoimmune illnesses.
A novel model reveals that local Ang II regulation plays a crucial role in maintaining kidney function balance. The study found that damaged kidneys compensate for the loss of function by increasing blood pressure and reducing glomerular atrophy.
Scientists from Pusan National University discovered a genetic biomarker, FCGBP, that is strongly linked to bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and poor outcomes following lung transplantation. The finding may help identify high-risk patients and devise timely immunosuppressive treatments.
A pioneering study has provided unprecedented insights into the immune response following pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation. Researchers mapped how human immune cells interact with pig kidney tissue, revealing critical early markers of rejection and potential intervention strategies.
A team of international scientists successfully 3D printed functional human islets using a novel bioink, paving the way for more effective and less invasive treatment options. The bioprinted constructs maintained their structure without clumping or breaking down and showed promising results in laboratory tests.
A recent study found that blood cancer patients achieve good outcomes with a partial match drawn from the national public registry of donors when treated with cyclophosphamide. Survival rates at one year were comparable to those seen in other studies with fully matched donors.
A new study reveals that cancer-fighting immunotherapy drugs may offer benefits to organ transplant recipients with advanced cancer when carefully managed. The study found that about one in three patients responded positively to treatment within a year, with improved survival outcomes comparable to the general population.
The GVHD Alliance has expanded into Europe under the leadership of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT). This move aims to foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups, researchers, and policy leaders to improve care and access for patients living with Graft-versus-Host Diseas...
Researchers at CRCHUM have discovered a crucial biomarker, miR-423-5p microRNA, to predict kidney function and diagnose chronic renal failure. The breakthrough could lead to early diagnosis, targeted approaches, and improved treatment options for millions of patients worldwide.
Researchers identified a biological process causing donor heart damage during cold storage and found that a drug can prevent this damage. Treatment with the drug nearly tripled pumping strength in human donor hearts, improving blood flow and reducing cell injury.
A new molecular process discovered by researchers contributes to the failure of donor hearts after transplant, but a therapy using medication for high blood pressure has been found to reduce damage. The treatment significantly improves the function of donor hearts and increases their distance in cold storage.
Surgeons from USC and UCLA have successfully performed the world's first-in-human bladder transplant, offering a new treatment option for patients with terminal bladders. The procedure, which combined kidney and bladder transplants, showed promising results in improving the patient's condition and eliminating the need for dialysis.
The RSV protein subunit vaccine showed similar efficacy to clinical trials, with diminished immune response in immunocompromised patients. The vaccine was associated with a small increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome, but not immune thrombocytopenic purpura.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers has identified a natural 'brake' within the innate immune system that can prevent organ transplant rejection. The discovery highlights a promising target for new therapies and offers hope for longer-lasting transplant success and reduced need for lifelong immunosuppression.
New molecular testing methods are transforming post-transplant care by detecting potential heart injury or rejection earlier than traditional biopsies. This enables physicians to reduce immunosuppressive medicine dosage in low-risk patients, potentially improving patient outcomes beyond the first year post-heart transplant.
The Pediatric Heart Transplant Alliance is a coalition of six leading organizations working to advance pediatric heart transplantation through research, education, and advocacy. The alliance aims to improve patient outcomes and quality of life for children with transplanted hearts.
Pediatric hearts fail due to acquired and genetic disorders or congenital heart disease, requiring mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices. However, adult devices are often used off-label in pediatric patients, deterring innovation and limiting access to life-saving technology.
Researchers at ISHLT marked the 10-year anniversary of modern DCD heart donation, significantly increasing transplant volumes worldwide. Comparable outcomes have been achieved with DCD hearts compared to traditional DBD hearts, leading to a surge in DCD programs globally.
A study on donor lungs preserved outside the body demonstrated that HOPE is a safe and effective method for lung preservation, with no rejections and similar short-term outcomes compared to direct transplantation. The study found that extending perfusion times can optimize donor lungs for future therapies.
Machine perfusion technology significantly extends the time donor hearts can be transported, enabling longer-distance transplants. This innovation has already led to more organs being accepted from regions previously unsuitable due to transportation constraints.
A day-long conference brought together experts to present ground-breaking outcomes research on CTEPH treatments. The session covered new medications, refined techniques, and innovative approaches to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
The first-ever Cardiogenic Shock Academy features a simulation lab, providing hands-on training for treating patients in cardiogenic shock. More than 160 healthcare practitioners from around the world attended the academy, which aimed to address the lack of conclusive research for managing CS.
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most prevalent form of liver cancer, and liver transplantation offers a curative treatment option for appropriately selected patients. Bridging therapies, such as radiofrequency ablation and transarterial chemoembolization, can improve survival outcomes post-transplant by preventing tumor progression.
A groundbreaking study transplants 384 m² of Posidonia oceanica to preserve Mediterranean ecosystems threatened by coastal development. The method successfully preserves roots and substrate, leading to remarkable resilience and expansion.
An international team of scientists has molecularly decoded blood stem cell differentiation pathways using state-of-the-art sequencing methods. They identified a crucial surface protein, PD-L2, which suppresses the immune response by preventing T cell activation and release of inflammatory substances.
The International Society for Health and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) has re-launched the Global IMACS Registry to collect data on patients with durable mechanical circulatory support devices. The registry aims to advance MCS therapy and improve patient outcomes globally.
A new nanotechnology-based drug delivery system has been developed to save patients from repeated surgeries. The approach, called Pericelle, uses a paste of nanoparticles containing hydrogel on transplanted veins to prevent blockages, which can lead to repeated surgeries in heart and dialysis patients.
A new trial will test whether taking HMB can improve patients' physical function and quality of life. The BOOST study aims to recruit 124 patients with cirrhosis and measure its effects on liver disease, mental wellbeing, and physical function over 24 weeks.
A study published in ERJ Open Research found that women are less likely to receive a lung transplant and wait an average of six weeks longer for one. Despite this, women who undergo transplantation have higher survival rates five years post-transplant.
Researchers discovered a novel combination of plasma-based biomarkers that can predict liver fibrosis in Latino adolescents with obesity. The study found that dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were significantly associated with fibrosis, suggesting a potential low-cost, noninvasive screening tool.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a new technique for head and neck reconstruction that achieves 100% success rate in high-risk patients. The pedicled latissimus dorsi flap technique provides a reliable, fast, and minimally invasive option for complex tissue defects.
Researchers developed a deep-learning model to predict organoid development at an early stage, outperforming human experts in accuracy and speed. The model classifies bright-field images of organoids into three quality categories, indicating their potential for regenerative medicine applications.
Researchers identified plasma extracellular vesicle-derived microRNAs as potential biomarkers for AATD liver disease. They found 39 differentially expressed miRNAs, which were validated in an independent cohort for predicting AATD liver disease.
The Emory University Hospital team successfully implanted the BrioVAD System, a novel magnetically levitated pump designed for patient ease and long-term health. This marks the first-time use of the device in the US, as part of the INNOVATE clinical trial.
The updated Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 has reduced liver transplant disparities for women, increasing their chances of being added to the waitlist, receiving a transplant, and staying on it. Women now have equalized rates with men in terms of waitlist mortality and transplant rates after the policy change.
Researchers used Intermountain Risk Score to predict major cardiac events in patients being evaluated for kidney transplant, with a five-year follow-up period showing 171 patients experiencing cardiac events. The study's findings suggest the potential use of calculating such a score in people undergoing kidney transplant evaluation.
New research suggests that adopting the UK's three-hour organ donation rule could significantly increase kidney transplants globally. This change could lead to an additional 1,000 kidney transplants in the US per year and improve patient outcomes.
Hospitalization rates for alcohol-induced liver disease rose significantly between 2005 and 2021, with greater absolute increases among older males than younger females. The study highlights the growing burden of this condition and underscores the importance of addressing alcohol-related liver disease.
New research at Lund University reveals that heart transplant patients often suffer from long-term pain and symptom distress after the procedure. However, with simple support in symptom management, patients can regain control over their life and feel more competent, active, and confident. The study found that a person-centred approach,...
A new AI-powered model has been developed to predict kidney transplant outcomes with high accuracy, offering hope for more efficient organ allocation and improved patient outcomes. The tool, UK-DTOP, outperforms existing methods in predicting outcomes for deceased-donor kidney transplants.
A multicenter observational study in the US found that kidney transplantation from deceased donors with HIV to recipients with HIV was safe and noninferior to transplantation from donors without HIV. The study enrolled 198 adults with HIV and end-stage kidney disease, comparing outcomes between 99 donors with HIV and 99 without.
A new study found that kidney transplantation from HIV-positive donors to recipients with HIV is safe and effective, with comparable survival rates and risks of serious side effects. The study's results support the use of organs from HIV-positive donors as standard clinical practice for people with HIV in need of kidney transplantation.