ANNMARIE LIAPAKIS, MD

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This paper studied kidney paired donation (KPD), which involves swapping kidneys among donors to find suitable matches for patients. It found that KPD has become increasingly important, making up about 20% of living donor kidney transplants in 2021-2022. The researchers highlighted the need for better education and access for patients regarding the benefits and challenges of KPD, as well as the importance of tracking national data to improve these donation systems, which could also help develop similar methods for liver transplants.

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This study focused on improving education about living organ donation among transplant professionals using multimedia tools like visual abstracts and infographics. The authors created a workgroup that ensures the information is reliable and helps professionals connect and share knowledge globally. This matters because better education can lead to more successful living donations, ultimately saving more lives.

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Researchers examined how to best evaluate and select candidates for liver transplant, a critical procedure that saves lives but has limited organ availability. They found that a clear set of guidelines, based on thorough review and expert input, helps identify the right patients who are most likely to benefit from the transplant while ensuring fair distribution of organs. These guidelines aim to improve patient outcomes and create a consistent approach to liver transplant evaluations.

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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 study looked at the effectiveness of living donor liver transplants for patients with liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It found that living donor transplants offer similar or even better survival rates compared to deceased donor transplants, especially for patients whose cancer meets certain criteria. This is important because using living donors can reduce the waitlist time for transplants and help more patients get the treatment they need.

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Researchers studied how living liver donor programs in the U.S. evaluate the mental and emotional health of potential donors. They found that most programs include social workers and psychiatrists in their evaluation teams but rarely use standardized assessment tools. There are several strict reasons, such as active substance abuse or severe mental health issues, that would prevent someone from donating, and while many programs do follow up with donors after the surgery, they rarely check in with those who were not approved to donate. This matters because improving the evaluation process could ensure the safety and well-being of both donors and recipients.

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This study looked at how kidney transplant centers in the U.S. evaluate the mental health and support needs of people who want to donate a kidney. Out of nearly 200 centers surveyed, over 90% reported that they assess candidates with known mental health or substance use issues, but only half considered active depression a reason to disqualify someone from donating. The findings highlight a lack of consistent practices in evaluating and supporting kidney donors, which is important for ensuring their well-being before and after donation.

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This study looked at how a new policy for liver transplant distribution, called acuity circles, affected the chances of different racial and gender groups receiving transplants or dying while waiting for one. Out of nearly 60,000 patients, Black and Hispanic women were found to be less likely to receive a liver transplant and faced higher death rates on the waitlist compared to White women. The findings highlight ongoing disparities in liver transplant access for women, especially among racial minorities, which is important for addressing equity in healthcare.

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This 12-center North American study followed 360 patients who received a living donor liver transplant for liver cancer, including many whose tumors exceeded the standard size and number limits (Milan criteria). Ten-year survival exceeded 60% even for patients outside the criteria, and a newer scoring tool called the NYCA score correctly identified most of these "out-of-criteria" patients as low or acceptable risk. Living donor transplant offers good long-term outcomes for a broader group of liver cancer patients than current criteria allow.

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This study looked at living donor liver transplants in the U.S. from 2002 to 2019, revealing that only 4% of adults received this type of transplant, with some centers doing fewer than 1% and others over 60%. It found that the chances of getting a living donor transplant have increased by 73% in recent years, but certain groups, including older adults, men, and racial minorities, still face challenges in accessing these transplants. Understanding these disparities is important because it highlights the need for improvements in how liver transplants are allocated, especially for those in underrepresented communities.

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In a conference held in October 2021, experts discussed the challenges of increasing living donor liver transplants (LDLT) in the U.S. They identified key barriers, including financial hardships for donors and complicated regulations that slow down the process, which limit the number of transplants. Addressing these issues is crucial because expanding LDLT can save more lives, but it requires better support for donors and clearer guidelines for transplant centers.

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This study focused on improving living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in the United States, which helps many patients avoid long wait times and leads to better long-term health outcomes. It found that a key issue limiting LDLT's use is the current culture and attitudes around it, with a strong emphasis on changing these views to recognize LDLT as the best option for patients. To make LDLT more widely accepted, the researchers recommended engaging and educating everyone involved in the process to create a supportive atmosphere for this treatment method.

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Researchers surveyed liver transplant centers in the U.S. to understand their views on living donor liver transplants (LDLT). They found that while 100% of centers that perform LDLT and two-thirds of those that don't see it as important for addressing donor shortages, only about 30% think it's the best first option for patients. Key challenges include the need for more surgical expertise and addressing patient concerns, which must be tackled to improve access to LDLT.

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Researchers studied how whole-exome sequencing (WES), a genetic testing method, can help diagnose liver disease in adults who had not been diagnosed using standard medical procedures. They found that WES provided a clear or likely diagnosis for 33% of patients tested—17 out of 52—many of whom had no family history of liver disease. This is important because it shows that genetic factors play a significant role in adult liver disease, and using WES can improve diagnosis and treatment for patients who currently have unexplained conditions.

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Researchers surveyed 53 liver transplant programs in the U.S. to understand how they evaluate living liver donors. They found that, on average, about 33% of potential donors were accepted, with most centers agreeing on age limits and excluding donors with obesity. This study highlights differing practices across centers, emphasizing the need for clearer guidelines to ensure safe evaluations of living donors.

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Researchers looked into the challenges and potential improvements in living donor liver transplants (LDLT) during a conference in October 2021. They found that issues like donor age, size, and blood type mismatches, along with a lack of awareness about the benefits of LDLT and a shortage of skilled surgeons, hinder its growth in the U.S. They recommend creating a national registry for better matching and improving surgical training to ensure more successful transplants, which could greatly increase the availability and effectiveness of these procedures.

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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.

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This study looked at the recommended limits for a liver enzyme called ALT in different age groups and whether alcohol consumption affects these limits. Researchers found that when alcohol users were included, the acceptable ALT levels were much higher, especially for men and women in various age groups. Understanding these differences matters because it can help set better guidelines for liver health and ensure accurate assessments in medical settings.

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This consensus guidance article reviews available evidence and draws on kidney donation experience to provide practical recommendations for evaluating anonymous living liver donors—people who donate to strangers rather than a specific recipient. The authors address donor selection criteria, allocation of nondirected grafts, and ethical considerations to ensure safe expansion of this practice. The guidance aims to standardize an emerging practice that could meaningfully increase the supply of living donor livers.

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This study looked at how blood flow affects the liver and spleen in adults who have undergone Fontan surgery, a procedure for congenital heart defects. The researchers found that while spleen stiffness in these patients was similar to that of healthy individuals, 78% of Fontan patients had increased liver stiffness. This is important because it suggests that the way blood flows in these patients could help doctors better understand liver issues related to their heart condition.

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Researchers changed their liver transplant education program to a virtual format during the COVID-19 pandemic and involved 21 patients over 6 months. The patients responded positively and some made progress in finding potential living donors for liver transplants. This is important because it shows that virtual education can help patients navigate the transplant process, but researchers also recognize the need to improve the program and monitor its long-term effectiveness.

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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 paper looks at how frailty, which is when people have weakened bodies and are more vulnerable to health issues, affects patients with severe liver disease and their outcomes after liver transplants. The review emphasizes that hospitals should use a team of healthcare professionals to assess and manage frailty in patients to improve their chances of successful surgery and recovery. By focusing on issues like poor nutrition and physical weakness, and using new tools and protocols, transplant centers can enhance patient care and safety during this critical procedure.

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This study examined how social factors and racism affect patients’ access to liver transplants in the U.S. It found that vulnerable groups are at a disadvantage in getting care due to biases and other barriers. To improve access, researchers recommend addressing biases in healthcare, using telemedicine more effectively, and increasing outreach to communities in need.

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This study looked at how hepatitis C treatments work in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). It found that these patients can respond to antiviral therapies just as well as others, which is important for kidney transplant candidates. The research emphasizes the need to carefully manage the timing of treatments and potential interactions with other medications, ensuring better outcomes for these patients.

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This study examined a decision support tool designed to help patients with both hepatitis C and chronic kidney disease better understand their treatment options. The tool increased participants' knowledge about their conditions, raising their average correct answer rate from 53% to 66%, and made them feel more certain about their treatment choices. This is important because informed patients can make better decisions regarding their health, potentially leading to improved outcomes.

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This study focused on how to treat chronic hepatitis C in patients who also have end-stage kidney disease. Researchers found that new antiviral treatments are highly effective, allowing around 95% of patients to recover from hepatitis C within a few months. This is important because it offers a clear path for managing hepatitis C in these patients, potentially improving their overall health and making them better candidates for kidney transplants.

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Researchers studied the effectiveness and safety of treatments using ledipasvir and sofosbuvir, alone or with ribavirin, in 667 patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C and cirrhosis. They found that 93.8% of patients achieved a cure (called sustained virologic response) after treatment, with similar success rates regardless of whether they received treatment for 12 or 24 weeks or added ribavirin. This is important because it shows that these treatments are effective and can be safely used in patients who have already tried other therapies, especially those with milder liver damage.

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Researchers studied the outcomes of transplanting organs from donors with hepatitis C into patients who do not have the virus. They found that these transplants, especially with new antiviral treatments, are showing improved results and can be safely done. This matters because using more organs from hepatitis C-positive donors can help reduce the number of patients waiting for transplants and lower healthcare costs.

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This study focuses on creating and testing a new decision-making tool for patients with hepatitis C and chronic kidney disease to help them understand their treatment options. The tool will explain information simply, provide a clear process for making treatment decisions, and tailor information to each patient based on their specific health situation. By evaluating the tool with 70 patients, the researchers aim to improve discussions between patients and doctors, ultimately helping more patients effectively manage these two conditions together.

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The study looked at the rising trend of performing simultaneous liver and kidney transplants (SLKT) in the U.S. and how new rules might affect liver transplant patients and those waiting for kidney transplants. Researchers found that as more liver patients face kidney problems, the demand for SLKT is expected to keep growing, influenced by factors like worsening liver diseases and current transplant policies. It's important to keep an eye on these changes to ensure all patients get the care they need.

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This study looked at a liver transplant patient who developed Kaposi sarcoma, a type of cancer, after receiving a liver from a donor who had a virus called human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). The patient was treated with a medication called liposomal doxorubicin, which successfully reduced the cancer while keeping the transplanted liver functioning well. This is important because it shows an effective way to treat a rare but serious cancer that can arise in organ transplant recipients.

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This study looked at a rare condition called Vanishing Bile Duct Syndrome (VBDS) in a 25-year-old man with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), which is a type of cancer. The man was found to have significant liver damage due to VBDS, and despite medical treatment, his condition worsened, leading to a liver transplant evaluation. Recognizing VBDS early is important, as it may point to underlying cancers like HL, which can severely affect liver health and overall survival.

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Researchers looked into the possibility of using organs from donors with hepatitis C to help patients in need of transplants. They found that newer treatments effectively manage hepatitis C, which means these organs, often from younger donors, could be safely used instead of being thrown away. This approach could significantly reduce the number of patients waiting for kidney, liver, and other organ transplants and save more lives.

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This study looked at the effectiveness and safety of a hepatitis C treatment called sofosbuvir in patients with kidney issues. Out of nearly 1,800 patients, 83% successfully cleared the virus after treatment, but those with more severe kidney impairment experienced more side effects like anemia and worsening kidney function. This is important because it highlights the need for careful monitoring of hepatitis C patients with kidney problems to manage potential risks effectively.

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The paper examined non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly a more severe form called NASH, which has become the main reason for liver transplants in the U.S. It found that while patients generally do well after surgery, those with NASH have a higher chance of dying from heart problems afterward. To help these patients live longer, it's important to better understand and address their risk factors for heart disease after their transplant.

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This study looked at how well patients with chronic hepatitis C could get approved for a new medication called Harvoni (sofosbuvir/ledipasvir). Out of 174 patients who were prescribed the drug, 77.5% got approved right away, but nearly 25% were initially denied and had to go through an appeals process to eventually receive it. The research found that patients with Medicare/Medicaid insurance and more serious liver disease had a better chance of getting quicker approval, which is important because delays in treatment can negatively affect health outcomes.

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The study looked at a new treatment combination, grazoprevir and elbasvir, for patients with hepatitis C and severe kidney disease. In a trial with 224 participants, 99% of those who received the treatment cleared the virus after 12 weeks, compared to only 45% success with older therapies. This is significant because it suggests that this new treatment is highly effective and has fewer side effects, offering hope to patients who have had limited options before.

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The study looked at how effective the drug Telaprevir is for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV), particularly in patients with the most common type, genotype 1. When taken with two other medications for 12 weeks, 75% of new patients achieved a lasting cure, compared to only 46% of those who took the standard treatment for longer. This is important because it shows that combining Telaprevir with existing treatments can significantly improve cure rates, especially for those who haven't been treated before.

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The study focused on the effectiveness of telaprevir in treating patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C, which had previously been treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. It found that telaprevir, when used in combination with other antiviral medications, significantly improved treatment outcomes compared to previous therapies. This is important because it represents a major advancement in hepatitis C treatment, leading to higher success rates in clearing the virus in those affected.