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Inequities in access to kidney transplantation exist even with universal healthcare

A new study found that patients with lower socioeconomic status and additional illnesses are less likely to be put on transplant waiting lists in the UK, despite universal healthcare. The study suggests that patient factors, such as age and health literacy, play a significant role in determining access to transplantation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 28, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers from University Hospital of Toulouse treated a severely ill patient with COVID-19 using tocilizumab, a biological agent targeting inflammatory cytokines. The patient showed dramatic improvement in respiratory outcomes, suggesting potential benefits for patients with the most severe forms of COVID-19.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 18, 2020

Study examines factors affecting racial disparities before kidney transplantation

A study examining factors affecting racial disparities before kidney transplantation found that socioeconomic status and comorbidities explain up to 58% of the disparity in listing. Black patients with kidney failure are more likely to be waitlisted than white patients, despite similar rates of transplant receipt.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 7, 2020

Viruses from poo can help combat obesity and diabetes

A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that transplanted intestinal contents could be effective against obesity and type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that obese mice with unhealthy lifestyles gained significantly less weight and avoided type 2 diabetes when they received viruses transplanted from the stool of lean mice.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalGut·DateMay 4, 2020

A world first: Assessing kidney quality before transplantation using photoacoustic imaging

Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to visualize damage in donor kidneys using photoacoustic imaging. This technique allows for accurate assessment of kidney scarring and can potentially revolutionize transplantation protocol by matching organs with patient life expectancy, reducing costs and improving outcomes.

30-year study identifies need of disease-modifying therapies for maple syrup urine disease

A 30-year study details clinical course of 184 individuals with genetically diverse forms of MSUD, showing increased survival and hospitalization rates. Despite advances in care, patients continue to suffer from cognitive and psychiatric disabilities, highlighting the need for safer and more effective disease-modifying interventions.

SourceClinic for Special Children·JournalMolecular Genetics and Metabolism·DateJan 24, 2020

Research award for project on heart transplantation

A recent study found that mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (mtDAMPs) are released by DCD hearts following warm ischemia, correlating with subsequent contractile recovery. The research team aims to investigate the role of mtDAMPs in inflammatory responses and recovery of contractile function in cardiac grafts.

New findings enable more heart donations

A new study published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that hearts from donors with acute stress-induced cardiomyopathy can be safely transplanted without affecting recipient outcomes. This breakthrough could lead to a significant increase in the supply of donor hearts, estimated at 20-30%.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateSep 26, 2019

The vagina monocultures

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a universal screening approach for vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT) donors to ensure only beneficial microbes are transferred. The pilot study found that 35% of participants might be eligible VMT donors, and the success rate may depend on a small number of willing 'super donors'.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateSep 10, 2019

Poo transplants to help save koalas

Researchers found that faecal inoculations changed the koalas' microbiomes, allowing them to eat messmate. This could affect all aspects of their ecology, including nutrition and habitat selection. The study provides a proof of concept for using encapsulated faecal material to introduce new microbes in koalas' guts.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAnimal Microbiome·DateAug 20, 2019

Virus screening in kidney transplant recipients

Researchers used VirScan to detect antibodies against viruses in kidney transplant recipients and found results concordant with conventional viral screening. Antibody responses remained largely unchanged one year after transplantation, suggesting a safe and reproducible approach to monitor post-transplant viral infections.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019

Racial disparities persist in access to kidney transplants

Racial disparities in access to kidney transplants continue, with patients from underserved groups more likely to be listed as inactive and less likely to receive transplants than white patients. A new study analyzing data from 2014-2016 found significant inequities despite a system aimed at increasing access for vulnerable populations.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateApr 3, 2019

Timely referral to kidney transplant may improve survival for patients with lupus nephritis

A nationwide cohort study found that timely kidney transplant significantly increases survival in patients with lupus nephritis and end-stage renal disease. The study revealed a 70% reduction in overall risk of death, with benefits observed across various subgroups, including African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and both sexes.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 21, 2019