Experimental and clinical transplantation : official journal of the Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation
-
Exp Clin Transplant · Dec 2008
Do we need to maximize the knowledge and attitude level of physicians and nurses toward organ donation and transplant?
We sought to assess the knowledge level, attitudes, and personal views of physicians and nurses toward organ donation and transplant. ⋯ Although the physicians and nurses had an acceptable level of knowledge about organ donation, the mean knowledge score for physicians showed significantly better understanding of the criteria for organ donation and procurement.
-
Pulmonary complications after liver transplant significantly affect mortality and morbidity; however, their relation has not been clearly established. We sought to determine pulmonary complications during the early and late term after liver transplant and identify risk factors for mortality. ⋯ Pulmonary complications after liver transplant are common. Care must be taken to determine preoperative risk factors, and patients should be observed closely for development of respiratory complications after liver transplant.
-
Exp Clin Transplant · Jun 2008
A retrospective study of conversion from tacrolimus-based to sirolimus-based immunosuppression in orthotopic liver transplant recipients.
Calcineurin inhibitors are used widely in liver transplant recipients. Sirolimus is a new, potent immunosuppressant considered to be nonnephrotoxic. There is limited experience with the use of sirolimus in liver transplant recipients. This study aimed to investigate the clinical experience of conversion from tacrolimus-based to sirolimus-based immunosuppression in liver transplant recipients. Patients switched to cyclosporine-based immunosuppression during the same period were enrolled as controls. ⋯ Sirolimus can be used safely in liver transplant recipients. In the early stages after liver transplant, sirolimus combination therapy is recommended to prevent acute rejection. For patients with tacrolimus-related adverse effects, a sirolimus-based immunosuppression regimen is a rescue therapy.
-
Liver transplant in the pediatric population has become an accepted treatment modality for children with end-stage liver disease. In this study, we analyze our experiences with pediatric liver transplant at our center. ⋯ In conclusion, the overall outcomes of pediatric liver transplantation at our center are quite promising.
-
Preserving and restoring fertility are important quality-of-life outcomes for cancer survivors and others who cannot bear children. Transplantation has advanced sufficiently to allow nonvital organ transplant to become a reality. Together, research on reproductive organs and transplantation has resulted in live human births from ovary transplants used to treat absolute ovary factor infertility. ⋯ Research on uterus transplantation has been reported for decades from multiple institutions around the world. Our group has been involved in the area for more than 10 years. To encourage other investigations in this area, we summarize our results in primates as a proof of concept that uterus transplants can be theoretically done.