DORRY SEGEV, M.D.

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This study looked at kidney transplant outcomes for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) compared to those without it. Researchers analyzed data from over 506,000 kidney transplant candidates and found that receiving a kidney from a deceased donor significantly reduced the risk of death for both groups; the risk was about half for those who got a transplant (hazard ratio of 0.45-0.60). This matters because it shows that having PAD shouldn't prevent patients from receiving a kidney transplant, as the surgery can offer meaningful survival benefits.

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This study analyzed whether the Cosmos database, which collects electronic health records, accurately represents liver transplant recipients in the U.S. Researchers found that the characteristics of patients in Cosmos were very similar to those in the national transplant registry, including survival rates (83.1% vs. 80.9% over five years). This is important because using the Cosmos database can enhance liver transplant research by providing a more comprehensive view of patients' health and outcomes across the country.

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Researchers studied the chemicals that might cause uncomfortable symptoms in patients with kidney failure who are on dialysis. They looked at data from over 900 participants and found many different metabolites, but only a few showed some weak links to symptoms like nausea and loss of appetite, and these findings didn't hold up across different groups. This matters because understanding the specific toxins in these patients could lead to better treatment options for the symptoms they suffer from.

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Researchers investigated how a new policy allowing liver transplants from HIV-positive donors affects patients with HIV waiting for liver transplants. They found that patients willing to accept these HIV-positive organs received liver transplants much faster, with 90.9% of them getting a transplant within two years, compared to only 58.5% of those who would not accept such organs. This is important because it significantly increases transplant opportunities for a vulnerable group that traditionally faces longer wait times and higher mortality rates.

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This study explored the possibility of using hearts and lungs from organ donors with HIV for transplant, given new guidelines that allow broader use of such organs. Researchers found that 41% of HIV-positive donors who provided kidneys and livers could potentially donate a heart, and nearly 19% could donate lungs, translating to 13-18 possible heart transplants and 5-8 lung transplants per year. Expanding the use of these organs is important because it could significantly increase the number of available transplants for people living with HIV.

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The study looked at kidney donation practices over time, focusing on how the quality and risk of donated kidneys are assessed using two indexes: the kidney donor risk index (KDRI) and the kidney donor profile index (KDPI). They found that the way these indexes relate to each other is changing, with kidneys from the same risk group in 2024 being rated as significantly lower quality than those in 2012, leading to a 9% higher chance of transplant failure after five years. This matters because it makes it harder for doctors and patients to understand the risks and benefits of transplants, suggesting that we might need to rethink how we evaluate and allocate kidneys for transplant.

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This study looked at the long-term risk of scrotal surgery in men who donated a kidney compared to men who did not donate. It found that 7.8% of kidney donors needed surgery for scrotal fluid collection, compared to just 0.2% of nondonors, indicating a much higher risk for donors. This matters because it highlights an important complication of kidney donation that potential donors should be aware of.

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This study looked at how access to liver transplants for children changed after new policies were introduced between 2017 and 2023. Researchers found that while the number of children on the transplant waitlist decreased from 396 to 225, the rate of liver transplants from both deceased and living pediatric donors increased significantly. This matters because it shows that despite the policy changes, children were not less likely to receive transplants, but it’s important to keep monitoring the situation to ensure they continue to get the priority they need.

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This study looked at how air pollution affects older people who have received kidney transplants. It found that higher levels of certain pollutants, like fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, are linked to a greater risk of death after the transplant and failure of the new kidney. For example, just a small increase in these pollutants raised the risk of death by 8-9%. This matters because it suggests that living in polluted areas can harm the health of older kidney transplant patients, highlighting the need for better support and interventions for these vulnerable individuals.

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This study examined how neighborhood factors, like racial segregation and economic hardship, affect the death rates of kidney failure patients exposed to air pollution. It found that kidney failure patients in areas with high segregation or deprivation faced a higher risk of dying from pollution, with Black patients facing the greatest risks—up to 26% higher death rates in the worst neighborhoods. The findings highlight the need for healthcare providers to pay special attention to vulnerable patients living in these challenging environments to help them manage their health better.

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This study looked at kidney transplants from donors with HIV to recipients who also have HIV. It found that 73.8% of these recipients had a significant infection within two years, compared to 64.7% of recipients who received kidneys from donors without HIV. While infections were slightly more common in the HIV donor-recipient group, the overall rates of serious infections and hospitalizations were similar, which is important for expanding this type of transplant safely.

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This study looked at how different transplant centers in the U.S. decide whether to accept kidneys from deceased donors that might be less than ideal, known as suboptimal kidneys (SOKs). Researchers found that about 72.6% of kidney transplants came from donors with at least one SOK characteristic, but acceptance rates varied widely among centers; on average, centers accepted only about 7.2% of these SOK donors compared to 12.5% of non-SOK donors. This variation matters because by encouraging centers to accept more suitable SOKs, more patients could gain access to kidney transplants, ultimately improving health outcomes.

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This study looked at the outcomes of heart and kidney transplants performed either on the same day or 1-2 days apart. It found that patients receiving both organs during one operation had shorter hospital stays and slightly lower death rates after four years compared to those who had the transplants staged. However, when adjusting for other factors, there were no significant differences in long-term survival or kidney and heart failure between the two groups, suggesting that needing both organs at once may be linked to better overall health, rather than the timing of the surgeries itself.

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This study looked at why many donated kidneys from deceased donors go unused and found that the number of times a transplant center refuses a kidney offer is a good indicator of its likelihood of being used. For example, kidneys from blood type O are at over 50% risk of not being used after 6 refusals, and this risk jumps above 90% after 980 refusals. Understanding these refusal numbers can help improve how these kidneys are allocated, potentially leading to better use of organs that are hard to place while ensuring that more suitable kidneys stay on a priority list.

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This study looked at how well older kidney transplant candidates (over 50) could use digital health tools, specifically a glucose monitor and an activity tracker, to monitor their health. Out of 20 participants, most wore these devices almost all the time, with 90% reporting they liked using them. This is important because it shows that these tools are easy to use and could help track health issues before and after transplantation, which may improve patient outcomes.

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This study looked at kidney transplant outcomes in children after a new system for prioritizing organ donors based on kidney quality was introduced in 2014. The researchers found that using this new method led to a 21% lower risk of kidney graft failure, meaning the transplanted kidneys worked better for longer. This is important because it shows that improving how we select donor kidneys can have a positive impact on the health and longevity of kidney transplants in pediatric patients.

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This research paper reviews different models used around the world to predict how changes in organ allocation policies might affect patient outcomes. It found that while these models help policymakers make informed decisions, they often rely on simplified data that can affect their results, making transparency and validation crucial. The findings are important because clearer and more reliable models can lead to better policies for organ transplantation, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.

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This study looked at kidney donors, some of whom were HIV positive and others who were not, to understand how their immune responses might affect kidney transplants. It found that donors with HIV had more autoantibodies and higher reactivity to certain viruses, which could lead to a higher risk of transplant rejection for recipients. Specifically, having antibodies to adenovirus was linked to a nearly five times greater chance of rejection, highlighting a need for careful evaluation of donors with HIV in transplant situations.

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This study looked at kidney transplant patients with HIV to see if the amount of hidden HIV in their bodies affected their chances of rejecting the transplanted kidney. Researchers found that there was no significant difference in the amount of hidden HIV between patients who rejected their transplants and those who didn’t, indicating that having HIV does not necessarily increase the risk of transplant rejection. This finding supports the idea that it is safe for people with HIV to receive kidneys from other HIV-positive donors.

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This study looked at two methods of machine perfusion used during liver transplants in the U.S. — hypothermic (very cold) and normothermic (normal body temperature) — to see how they affected patient outcomes. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 4,200 liver transplants and found that both methods had similar one-year risks for graft loss and complications. The findings are important because they indicate that using either method can be effective, which may help doctors choose the best approach for patients receiving livers from higher-risk donors.

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This study looked at kidney transplant recipients who have HIV and received organs from donors also with HIV. Out of 18 patients, only one developed a new strain of HIV from the donor, but it did not affect their health significantly. This is important because it shows that while there is a risk of getting a new HIV strain from the transplant, it's very rare and doesn't seem to cause major health issues.

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This paper corrects information in a previous study that looked at racial and ethnic differences in organ transplant care across the United States. The study identified that these disparities appear at various stages of the transplant process, affecting patient access and outcomes. Understanding these differences is crucial for improving transplant care and ensuring fair treatment for all patients, regardless of their background.

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This study focused on patients with type 2 diabetes who are on dialysis and looked at the effects of a medication called GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). It found that using GLP-1 RAs was linked to a 23% lower risk of dying and a 66% higher chance of being placed on the kidney transplant list. While the medication helped with weight loss, it also raised the risk of eye problems in diabetes patients, highlighting the need for careful monitoring despite its benefits.

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Researchers studied older kidney transplant recipients (aged 55 and up) to see how sleep disorders and medications for those disorders affect the risk of developing dementia. They found that 21.8% of these recipients had sleep disorders, which increased their risk of dementia by 32%. Specifically, those with insomnia had a 56% higher risk, and people prescribed sleep medications faced an even greater risk, with some medications increasing the likelihood of dementia more than threefold. This matters because addressing sleep issues could help reduce the risk of dementia in kidney transplant recipients.

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Researchers surveyed leaders of general surgery departments across the U.S. to understand how Vice Chairs for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI VCs) contribute to their departments. Out of 22 surveyed chairs, 91% felt that having a DEI VC was beneficial, but only 57% provided an annual budget for the role. This study highlights the importance of clearly defining and properly supporting DEI positions to improve diversity and inclusion efforts within surgery departments.

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Researchers studied inflammation levels in kidney donors with and without HIV to better understand their impact on transplant safety. They found that most inflammation markers were similar between the two groups, but donors without HIV had higher levels of a specific marker called IL-8. This research is important because it shows that kidney transplants from HIV-positive donors are as safe as those from HIV-negative donors, supporting the use of these organs in transplants.

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This study looked at kidney transplant recipients and how COVID-19 affects their risk of developing heart and blood vessel problems. Out of 778 patients, 8.7% developed cardiovascular issues within a year after having COVID-19. The research found that those with a history of heart problems were at much higher risk (19.1%) compared to those without (5.0%), highlighting that both past heart issues and being hospitalized for COVID-19 significantly increase the risk, making it crucial for healthcare providers to monitor these patients closely.

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The study looked at the long-term cognitive and mental health of liver transplant recipients more than a year after their surgery. It found that 25% of the 120 participants had below-average thinking skills, while nearly half experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety. This matters because many patients may struggle with mental health and daily functioning after their transplant, highlighting the need for ongoing assessment and support for these individuals.

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The study looked at lung transplants in people with HIV over time to see how common they are and how well patients do after the procedure. From 2004 to 2024, the number of lung transplants for people with HIV increased from 0.1% to 0.4%, but most surgeries still occurred at only a small number of hospitals. Importantly, people with HIV did not have a higher risk of dying or rejecting their new lung compared to those without HIV, showing that lung transplantation can be a safe option for these patients.

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This study looked at kidney transplant recipients to see if the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) affected their cognitive function over time. While all groups showed similar improvements in cognitive scores during the first three years after the transplant, those with CMV started to experience significant declines in cognitive function between years three and eight, losing about 3.5 points per year. This finding is important because it indicates that kidney transplant recipients with CMV may need closer monitoring and early interventions to address potential cognitive decline.

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Researchers studied how changes in muscle mass and quality after kidney transplants affect patients' health outcomes. They found that muscle quantity and quality decreased significantly in the first two years following the transplant, which increased the risk of death and graft loss, especially for frail patients and those over 65. Improving muscle health before and after a kidney transplant could help reduce these serious risks and improve patient recovery.

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This study focused on creating a Community Advisory Board made up of patients and caregivers affected by kidney disease and transplantation to improve research in this area. Researchers formed a diverse group of 9 members, who contributed valuable feedback on 5 research proposals over a year, ensuring that the perspectives of those directly impacted by kidney health issues were included. This collaboration not only fostered trust among marginalized communities but also aimed to make nephrology and transplantation research more relevant and effective.

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This study looked at how glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs), a type of diabetes medication, are used by kidney transplant recipients who develop diabetes after their transplant. Among nearly 7,700 patients, only 430 were prescribed GLP1RAs, mainly dulaglutide. While using these medications didn't increase the risk of dying or losing the transplanted kidney, it was linked to an increased risk of eye problems related to diabetes, highlighting the need for careful monitoring when treating these patients.

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This study looked at how environmental and social issues increase the risk of dementia in older adults with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). It found that older adults living in areas with high air pollution faced a 44% higher risk of dementia, which rose to 128% for those in highly segregated neighborhoods. These findings highlight the urgent need for policies to address these injustices, as they significantly impact the health of vulnerable populations.

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This study looked at how infectious disease providers view kidney and liver donations from living donors who have HIV to recipients who also have HIV. The majority of the 18 doctors interviewed were supportive, noting that such donations could help increase the number of available organs and decrease wait times, but they also expressed worries about the long-term health of donors. The findings show that healthcare providers need better education and resources to guide them in this area, which is important to help more people receive transplants.

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This study looked at how air pollution affects brain health in older patients being assessed for kidney transplantation. Researchers found that living in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter (PM) was linked to a 1.9 times higher chance of cognitive impairment and a 3.3 times greater risk of dementia. This is important because it highlights the need for these patients to be aware of air quality in their neighborhoods and consider increasing their physical activity to protect their cognitive health.

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Researchers studied the physical health of nearly 2,700 kidney transplant candidates to see how factors like physical activity, function, and overall health affect their chances of getting listed for a transplant and surviving while waiting. They found that 40% of candidates had low physical activity, 16% had low physical function, and over half reported a high physical burden, which made them less likely to be listed for a transplant and increased their risk of dying while waiting; for example, those with low physical function were only about half as likely to be listed and were 83% more likely to die while waiting. This matters because understanding these physical health issues can help transplant centers better identify and support patients who are at higher risk, ultimately improving their chances of receiving a transplant.

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This study looked at the effects of two types of weight-loss surgery—Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG)—in older adults with obesity and severe kidney disease. The findings revealed that while RYGB was linked to higher death rates and lower chances of getting a kidney transplant, SG was associated with lower death rates and better chances for a transplant. This is important because it suggests that the type of weight-loss surgery could significantly influence health outcomes for older patients suffering from these serious health issues.

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This study looked at whether giving living kidney donors a $25 gift card for completing their follow-up health surveys would improve compliance with follow-up requirements. Out of 175 participants, those who received the gift cards showed slightly higher compliance at 6 months (71.1% vs. 65.2%) but lower at 1 and 2 years. Overall, the gift cards did not significantly help with compliance, suggesting that financial incentives may not be effective and indicating a need to better understand the reasons why donors don’t complete follow-ups.

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This study looked at how living in disadvantaged neighborhoods affects access to kidney transplants for adults with severe kidney disease. It found that those in high-disadvantage areas were 29% less likely to be put on the waitlist for transplants and 11% less likely to receive any transplant compared to those in better neighborhoods. This matters because it highlights significant racial and ethnic disparities in access to life-saving treatments, suggesting a need for efforts to improve resources and support for people in these communities.

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This research paper looks at how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to improve living kidney donation, which is when a healthy person donates a kidney to someone in need. The findings show that AI can help predict which donors are suitable and improve the overall donation process, although there are challenges to using AI in real-life medical settings. This matters because using AI effectively could lead to better matching of donors and recipients, ultimately saving more lives through kidney transplants.

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This study looked at how a new policy, which requires kidney biopsies for certain donors, impacted kidney donation practices in the U.S. After the policy was introduced, the rate of biopsies for required kidneys increased significantly, while the rate for optional biopsies decreased. Overall, the number of kidneys not used for transplant slightly rose from 27.2% to 28.7%, but the policy did not negatively affect this trend. The findings show that the new rules have made biopsy practices more consistent without harming the availability of kidneys for transplant.

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The study looked at Americans who received organ transplants in other countries and were removed from the US transplant waiting list. Between 2010 and 2023, 818 people went abroad for transplants, with most (92%) getting kidney transplants, predominantly in countries like the Philippines and India. This information is important because it highlights trends in international transplant travel and the need for better post-surgery care for those patients.