Transplantation
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In patients with acute liver failure (ALF) of unknown cause, viral infections are believed to be involved. This study investigates the involvement of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6). ⋯ HHV-6 was found in most explanted livers of patients with ALF of unknown cause. HHV-6 antigenemia was associated with HHV-6 antigens in the liver. Only a few control patients displayed HHV-6 in the liver. These observations indicate that HHV-6 may be one of the causes of ALF.
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Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK) from cadaveric donors has become a widely accepted therapeutic option for insulin-dependent uremic patients. In 1996 the first SPK from a live donor was performed. This procedure offers the advantage of a better immunologic match, reduced cold ischemia injury, and decreased waiting time. As such, it is an attractive alternative treatment for diabetic patients with end-stage nephropathy with an available living donor. ⋯ Living donor SPK can represent a successful alternative to cadaveric donor SPK. The procedure can be performed safely in the donor and with low morbidity in the recipient.