DR. ELIZABETH A. POMFRET, M.D., PH.D.

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This study looked at how social factors, like ethnicity and education level, affect the risk of dying from COVID-19 among people in the U.S. who have received liver transplants. Researchers found that liver transplant recipients from Hispanic backgrounds were 72% more likely to die from COVID-19, Native American patients were 259% more likely, and those living in highly distressed communities had a 33% increased risk. The findings stress the need for healthcare systems to consider these social determinants when assessing risks and planning for health emergencies. Who this helps: This helps liver transplant patients and healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of social factors in their care and support strategies.

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This study looked at how new technologies for preserving livers for transplant can help people who live far from hospitals. Researchers found that patients using a method called normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) traveled an average of 156 miles and took about 3.15 hours to reach the transplant center, which is more than double the distance and travel time compared to other methods. This is important because it shows how NMP can make liver transplants more accessible for patients coming from disadvantaged areas, particularly in New Mexico, where residents face more challenges. Who this helps: This helps patients needing liver transplants, especially those in remote or disadvantaged communities.

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This study looked at the export of lungs from deceased donors in the United States to patients in other countries. Out of over 388,000 organs recovered between 2014 and 2023, only 511 (0.13%) were sent abroad, with the majority being lungs. The exported lung donors were found to be older, more likely to have hepatitis C, and more often from cases of circulatory death. This is important because it points to a need for better policies that balance sharing organs internationally and maximizing the use of available organs for patients in the US. Who this helps: This helps patients who need lung transplants, especially those with limited options domestically.

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This study looked at the American Transplant Congress, the biggest transplant meeting in the U.S., where some important scientific presentations were removed by a government agency because they didn't align with current policies. Specifically, these were highly regarded research findings that could have contributed to crucial discussions about improving the transplant system. This censorship raises concerns about transparency and limits the evaluation of government policies in the field. Who this helps: Patients needing transplants and the medical community working to improve transplant practices.

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This study focused on a new treatment called bi-CD47-IT, which targets CD47, a protein found in high amounts on T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells. The researchers found that bi-CD47-IT significantly improved survival in mice with T-ALL, curing 60% of the mice in one test. Importantly, it showed no harmful effects on red blood cells and only temporary effects on other immune cells, suggesting it could be a safe option for treating this type of cancer. Who this helps: This benefits patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

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This study looked at how the size of organ procurement organizations (OPOs) affects their performance ratings from Medicare and Medicaid. The researchers found that larger OPOs have higher donation and transplant rates, with a median rate of 2,124 organs procured compared to only 1,003 for the smallest OPOs. The current rating system often misclassifies larger OPOs as underperforming, which could hinder organ donation efforts, so better evaluation methods are needed to improve organ transplant rates. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing organ transplants and the doctors involved in their care.

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This study looked at a new method for liver transplantation from donors whose hearts have stopped beating, known as donation after circulatory death (DCD). Researchers compared the outcomes of using a technique called normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) to traditional cold storage (SCS). They found that after six months, the rate of a dangerous complication called ischemic cholangiopathy was much lower in the NRP group at 1.2% compared to 9.5% in the SCS group, showing that NRP can make these transplants safer and more effective. Who this helps: This benefits patients who need liver transplants and may increase the availability of healthier donor organs.

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This study looked at the impact of a new system for distributing donor lungs, which started on March 9, 2023. Researchers found that after this new system was implemented, lung transplant candidates with type-O blood received fewer transplants compared to candidates with other blood types—with only 86.3% receiving transplants versus 92.1% for types A, B, or AB. This matters because it indicates that the policy change negatively affected type-O candidates, who also faced higher rates of waitlist removal and death. Who this helps: This helps patients with type-O blood who are waiting for lung transplants.

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This study looked at how organ procurement organizations (OPOs) performed in terms of organ donation from deceased donors between 2018 and 2021. Researchers found that up to 40% of OPOs changed their performance ratings from year to year, and there were differences in performance metrics depending on the data source used. This matters because more consistent and reliable ways of evaluating OPO performance could lead to better organ donation rates, ultimately helping more patients receive the transplants they need. Who this helps: Patients awaiting organ transplants.

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This study looked at a technique called normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) used in organ transplants from donors who have experienced circulatory death. By using NRP, the researchers achieved impressive results: out of 128 attempts, 108 cases successfully led to cardiac death, and 94 liver transplants were completed. This technique not only improves the health of the donated organs but also increases the number of available organs for transplant, addressing critical shortages. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing liver transplants and the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at different scoring systems used to assess the severity of liver disease in patients undergoing liver transplants and how well these scores predict complications like needing a lot of blood transfusions or experiencing kidney failure after the surgery. Out of 265 patients, 7.6% needed massive transfusions and 11.8% experienced kidney failure. While most scores performed similarly in predicting blood transfusions, MELD-Na was better than MELD 3.0 in predicting kidney failure, indicating that it may be more effective for assessing risks in liver transplant patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors making decisions for patients with severe liver disease.

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This study looked at how to better manage the time between withdrawing life support and the death of donors whose organs can still be used for transplantation. Researchers analyzed data from 350 potential organ donors and found that nearly half (49%) progressed to circulatory death within 30 minutes. Certain factors, like higher potassium levels and body mass index, increased the likelihood of this happening, which helps transplant teams decide how to proceed to improve organ recovery success. Who this helps: This helps transplant teams and organ donation programs.

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This research focused on a new treatment for lung cancer, which is a major cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The scientists created a targeted therapy called bi-CD47-IT that showed strong results in lab tests using mouse models of lung cancer. It effectively attacked the cancer cells without the serious side effects seen in previous treatments. Who this helps: This benefits lung cancer patients who need more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at the risks of dying after donating a piece of their liver in North America over the past 30 years. Among over 11,000 donations, 79 deaths occurred in the U.S. (about 0.8%) and 4 in Canada (0.3%), mostly occurring more than 90 days after donation. The research highlights that the chances of dying immediately after the procedure have sharply decreased, with no deaths recorded since 2016, which is important for ensuring the safety of potential donors. Who this helps: This helps potential liver donors and their families understand the risks involved in living liver donation.

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This study focused on the long-term health and well-being of people who donate part of their liver to others in need. Experts gathered to create guidelines that will help monitor and support these living donors, addressing their medical, psychological, and social needs. This is important because it ensures that donors can stay healthy and maintain a good quality of life after their donation, making more people willing to consider being donors in the future.

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This perspective piece reviews the current state of living donor liver transplantation in the United States, where it accounts for fewer than 10% of all liver transplants despite proven safety and benefit. Barriers include lingering fear of donor harm after a high-profile death in 2001, limited surgeon training, and the relative availability of deceased donor organs. The authors argue that expanding training programs and raising awareness are essential to grow living donation and address the persistent organ shortage.

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This research paper looks at living donor liver transplants, focusing on whether the left or right lobe of the liver is better for donation. The study highlights that both lobes can be used effectively, but there are important differences in how they work for the recipient. Understanding these differences helps improve transplant outcomes and better match donors with patients. Who this helps: Patients needing a liver transplant and the doctors performing the procedures.

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Researchers from the American Society of Transplant Surgeons met to discuss the procedure known as normothermic regional perfusion (NRP), which is used during organ donation after a person's heart has stopped. They outlined ethical guidelines and standards for using NRP and proposed creating a central database to track donor and recipient information. This matters because clear guidelines can improve organ donation processes, potentially leading to better outcomes for transplant patients. Who this helps: This helps patients needing transplants and healthcare providers involved in organ donation.

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This study looked at how many kidney transplant candidates in the U.S. agree to accept kidneys from donors with a higher risk of poor outcomes, known as high-Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI). It found that 41% of candidates consented to receive these higher-risk kidneys, which led to a 15% increase in their chances of getting a transplant. This matters because being open to these riskier kidneys can help more candidates get transplanted sooner, especially older patients and those with diabetes, potentially saving lives. Who this helps: This helps patients on the kidney transplant waiting list.

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This study looked at how different organ donation methods after circulatory death affect the number of organs recovered and the costs involved. It found that on average, 3.71 organs were recovered using a technique called normothermic regional perfusion (NRP), while only 2.45 organs were recovered using super-rapid recovery (SRR). The cost for each donor using NRP was about $9,463, suggesting that it might allow for around 31 organ recoveries for the price of just one recovery using SRR, highlighting a more efficient use of donor resources. Who this helps: This benefits patients waiting for organ transplants by potentially increasing the number of available organs.

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This study looked at the survival rates of people who received liver transplants between 1990 and 2007 compared to the general population. It found that liver transplant patients have a mortality rate 2.46 times higher than the general population, with the highest rates among males (2.59) and Hispanic patients (4.80). Even though survival rates after transplant have improved over the years, these figures highlight ongoing risks for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families, as well as doctors managing liver disease treatment.

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This study explored a new method called direct peritoneal resuscitation (DPR) for patients undergoing liver transplants, especially those with kidney problems or obesity. Of the 15 patients who received DPR, 87% completed the treatment, and they experienced fewer complications compared to control groups—specifically, lower rates of return to surgery, graft loss, and late infections. This matters because it shows that DPR could be a safe and effective way to help improve recovery after liver transplants. Who this helps: This helps liver transplant patients, especially those with kidney issues or obesity.

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This research paper focuses on a technique called thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP), which is used to improve organ donation from patients who have undergone circulatory death. A group of medical experts created standard guidelines to ensure that this technique is applied safely and effectively, covering areas like how to evaluate donors and manage the procedures. These guidelines aim to improve organ transplant processes, leading to better outcomes for patients receiving transplants. Who this helps: This helps transplant patients and healthcare teams involved in organ procurement.

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This study focused on developing standardized guidelines for a procedure called thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP), which is used to improve the retrieval of organs from donors who have suffered circulatory death. The expert group identified key areas needing standardization, such as donor evaluation and procedural protocols, to ensure TA-NRP is used safely and effectively. These guidelines aim to improve coordination among transplant teams, reduce differences in practice, and enhance the outcomes for patients receiving transplants. Who this helps: This helps patients awaiting organ transplants.

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This study looked at the outcomes of lung transplant patients who received either a left or a right lung from split lung donors. Researchers found that patients who received a left lung had a higher risk of death and graft failure compared to those who received a right lung; specifically, the risk of death after surgery was 17% higher for left lung recipients, and their five-year graft survival rate was 47.1% compared to 51.4% for right lung recipients. This information is important because it can guide decisions about which lungs to use for transplantation, potentially improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients awaiting lung transplants and their doctors make better-informed choices.

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This study examined kidney transplant outcomes for patients receiving kidney-alone transplants compared to those who received simultaneous liver-kidney (SLK) and kidney-after-liver transplants. It found that kidney-alone recipients had higher survival rates for their kidney transplants, with 94% surviving one year and 86% after three years, compared to 89% and 80%, respectively, for SLK recipients. This matters because it highlights that kidney-alone transplants generally provide better long-term survival than SLK transplants, helping doctors make informed decisions about transplant strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients needing kidney transplants and their healthcare providers.

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The American Society of Transplant Surgeons convened experts in surgery, ethics, and critical care to establish standards for normothermic regional perfusion (NRP), a procurement technique that restores circulation to donor organs before retrieval. The working group issued 14 recommendations covering terminology, the definition of death in the NRP context, and required training and communication protocols. The goal is to ensure NRP is practiced ethically and consistently across US transplant programs.

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This study explored new cancer treatments for head and neck cancer by testing different types of fusion toxins that target a specific molecule (EGFR) on cancer cells. The researchers found that two of these toxins, called bi-EGF-IT and bis-EGF/IL2-IT, were much more effective at reducing tumor size and increasing survival in mice, with bis-EGF/IL2-IT showing the best results. These findings could lead to better treatments for patients with head and neck cancer that are more effective and cause less harm to healthy cells. Who this helps: Patients with head and neck cancer.

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This research looked at a specific type of pancreatic growth called intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) in people who have received solid organ transplants. Out of nearly 8,213 transplant patients, about 4.7% had IPMNs, with a 20% chance of these growths progressing over several months. Importantly, no cases of cancer stemming from these IPMNs were found, suggesting that the risk of progression is similar to that in non-transplant patients. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients who have undergone solid organ transplants by providing insights into the risk of pancreatic growths.

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This study looked at the relationship between something called fibrinolysis resistance (FR) and early problems with liver transplants in patients. Researchers found that 59% of the 184 patients tested showed FR, and those with this condition had a 42% rate of early transplant dysfunction compared to just 17% in those without FR. This is important because it indicates that knowing about FR in patients after surgery could help doctors predict and possibly prevent early transplant failures. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving liver transplants and their doctors.

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This study examined different surgical methods for living organ donors—specifically comparing traditional open surgery, laparoscopy-assisted surgery, pure laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery. Researchers found that pure laparoscopic surgery (PLLDH) led to less blood loss and shorter hospital stays than traditional open surgery for both minor and major hepatectomy, but it also took longer to perform. Robotic surgery (RLDH) provided similar benefits as PLLDH with less recovery time but required more operating time compared to open surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits organ transplant patients and their surgeons by identifying better surgical options.

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Researchers studied a new treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a type of skin cancer, by comparing a novel drug called CCR4-IL2 bispecific immunotoxin to an existing drug called brentuximab. They found that CCR4-IL2 was significantly better at prolonging survival in mice with CTCL, outperforming brentuximab, and when used together, these two drugs worked even better than either one alone. This is important because current treatments for CTCL are not very effective, with only about 30% of patients responding, and this new approach could lead to better outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma by providing a potentially more effective treatment option.

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This study looked at how the level of urea in the blood affects blood clotting in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compared to healthy individuals. Researchers tested blood samples from 20 kidney donors and 20 kidney recipients, finding that kidney recipients had a higher maximum amplitude (MA) and a shorter time to maximum amplitude (TMA) than donors, which suggests differences in how their blood clots. The study found that higher urea levels affected clotting measurements differently in donors and recipients, indicating that kidney disease may alter how the body responds to urea. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors treating patients with kidney disease by providing insights into their blood clotting tendencies.

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This study looked at early indicators that can predict how long a patient will stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) after a liver transplant. Researchers found that patients with high creatinine levels and low resistance to blood clot breakdown on the first day after surgery were more likely to stay in the ICU for a week or longer. Specifically, those with these signs had a nine times higher risk of losing their liver transplant within 90 days compared to those who didn’t have these issues. Who this helps: This research helps doctors identify which liver transplant patients may need more intensive care early on, allowing for better management of their treatment.

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This study created a new tool called the liver-EPTS (L-EPTS) score to predict how long patients might live after receiving a liver transplant from a deceased donor. Researchers looked at data from over 70,000 transplant patients and found that the survival likelihood after 5 years could vary from about 28% to 89%, and after 10 years from 16% to nearly 88%. This tool is important because it helps doctors decide who will benefit most from a liver transplant, making better use of limited donor organs. Who this helps: This benefits patients awaiting liver transplants and the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at the survival benefits of liver transplants from deceased donors based on a scoring system used to prioritize patients for transplants. The researchers found that patients with a score as low as 12 gained an average of over 9 extra years of life after receiving a transplant, compared to staying on the waitlist. This is important because it suggests that more patients might benefit from a transplant sooner than previously thought, potentially leading to new guidelines for organ distribution in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver disease who are waiting for a transplant.

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This study looked at new performance metrics used by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to evaluate transplant programs in the U.S. The researchers found that the new metrics, which assess graft survival after 90 days and one year, are inconsistent and can lead to misleading conclusions about program quality. This is important because it suggests that many transplant programs may be unfairly criticized, increasing their operational costs without improving patient care. Who this helps: Patients and transplant programs.

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This study looked at a complication called small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) that can occur after liver transplants from living donors. Researchers found that managing this condition effectively can improve patient outcomes, with most patients recovering through medical treatment, interventional radiology, or surgery, especially if they seek help early. However, patients are at a higher risk of losing the liver transplant if their bilirubin levels are over 10 mg/dL or their INR is above 1.6 a week after surgery, which emphasizes the importance of timely intervention.

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Living donor liver transplantation can reduce deaths on the waitlist, but its use in the U.S. remains low. This consensus conference report from the American Society of Transplantation identified barriers to wider adoption and outlined best practices for selecting candidates and engaging potential donors. The goal is to increase access to living donor transplants across more transplant centers.