Yonsei medical journal
-
Yonsei medical journal · Dec 2004
ReviewPolyomavirus (BK virus) nephropathy in kidney transplant patients: a pathologic perspective.
Reactivation of polyoma virus (BK virus) is a significant cause of morbidity in kidney transplant patients. This seemingly insignificant viral infection that affects the majority of population at a young age, once reactivated by immunosuppression, is a major factor contributing to graft loss. Screening techniques have been developed for early prediction of BK virus reactivation. ⋯ Unfortunately, disease outcome is often unfavorable and can culminate with eventual graft loss. Renal retransplantation has been performed with mixed results. As new data emerges, we will gain a better understanding of the disease caused by BK virus and respond with improved early diagnosis and treatment to preserve graft function.
-
Intestinal transplantation has been established as a treatment option for patients that suffer from intestinal failure with complications from total parenteral nutrition. It is still rapidly evolving and just reached a landmark of 1,000 cases worldwide. ⋯ Clinical outcome in intestinal transplantation has improved significantly over time, impacted by refinement of surgical technique and novel immunosuppression. However rejection, infection, and technical complications still remain the most difficult barrier to improve patient and graft survival.
-
Yonsei medical journal · Oct 2004
ReviewTelemedicine in the USA with focus on clinical applications and issues.
Telemedicine usually refers to the use of information-based technologies, such as, computer and communications systems, to provide healthcare across geographic distances. Although telemedicine has the potential to improve healthcare, the number of clinical applications is still small and constrained by custom, regulatory, reimbursement and technical issues. ⋯ Current telemedicine issues in clinics and technological problems to be decided, improved, and challenged, are reviewed. This is followed by conclusions.