GRACE S. LEE-RIDDLE, MD

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This study looked at how people in the transplant community use Reddit to share their experiences and information about solid organ transplants, like kidney and liver surgeries. Researchers analyzed 1,000 posts and found that most were positive, with 66.5% coming from transplant recipients and discussing life after surgery. These findings highlight that Reddit is a valuable resource for support and information exchange, which could inform improvements in healthcare for transplant patients.

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This study examined outcomes from 60 uninsured liver transplant patients whose procedures were covered by a state charity care program, comparing them to insured patients transplanted at the same center over 18 years. Survival rates at one and three years were statistically identical across uninsured, privately insured, and government-insured groups, with no differences in graft survival, hospital stay length, or readmission rates. The results demonstrate that with adequate financial support, uninsured patients can achieve transplant outcomes equal to insured patients.

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Researchers studied the opinions of kidney and liver transplant patients, their caregivers, and doctors regarding tools designed to help people remember to take their medications. They found that most people preferred simple methods like text message reminders instead of more complex options like video checks, which many found invasive and inconvenient. This research highlights the importance of using straightforward technology to support medication adherence, which is crucial for the success of organ transplants.

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Livers stored on ice before transplant suffer ischemia damage that worsens outcomes. This randomized trial tested a portable device that keeps the liver oxygenated and perfused during transport, compared to standard cold storage. The results support that hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion reduces injury and could become a new standard for liver preservation in the U.S.

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Researchers studied how using machines to pump fluids through donor livers can improve their condition before transplantation. They found that using this technique, called machine perfusion, led to better liver function and fewer complications in patients receiving "marginal" livers, which are often considered riskier—showing about a 20% reduction in problems. This is important because it can help more patients receive healthy transplants, addressing the critical shortage of available donor organs.

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A national survey of 60 U.S. liver transplant programs examined how often and under what circumstances centers refer declined patients for a second opinion at another center. While all centers receive second-opinion referrals, only 25% frequently facilitate them for their own declined patients, and practices vary widely with no standardized process. Standardizing second-opinion pathways could improve equity for patients denied transplant listing.

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Surgical boot camps were studied to see if they boost the confidence of second-year surgical residents. After a 2-hour training session, 31 residents reported significantly higher confidence in crucial skills, such as managing emergency situations and performing procedures, with some improvements showing as high as a 99.9% increase in confidence. This is important because building confidence in these skills helps ensure that new residents can effectively handle their increased responsibilities in surgeries and emergency situations.

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This study looked at the pregnancy outcomes of women who donated a part of their liver, focusing on whether their pregnancies changed after donation. Out of 276 women surveyed, 151 responded, reporting a total of 313 pregnancies, with live birth rates of about 69% before donation and 72% after. While some women experienced more abnormal liver tests and higher cesarean delivery rates after donating, overall pregnancy health was not significantly affected, indicating that living liver donation should not discourage women from having children.

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This study looked at kidney transplants from older donors who died after their heart stopped beating, comparing them to those from donors who died from brain death. It found that kidneys from older donors (age 50-64) gave similar or better survival rates compared to the latter, although they had higher rates of initial complications. This is important because it shows that we can potentially use kidneys from older donors to increase the number of available organs for transplant.