CARRIE THIESSEN, MD, PHD

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This study looked at kidney transplant recipients from deceased donors over different time periods to understand the risk factors and outcomes related to delayed graft function (DGF). It found that the chance of developing DGF decreased over the years, with only 24% of recent recipients affected compared to 34% in earlier years. Additionally, the risk of experiencing acute rejection after one year dropped significantly in recent years, reaching only 16% in the last two eras compared to 46% in the earlier era. This matters because it shows that advancements in transplant care are leading to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This benefits kidney transplant patients by improving their chances of success and reducing complications.

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Researchers compared outcomes of dual kidney transplantation (using two kidneys from a single marginal donor) versus standard single kidney transplants across nearly 3,200 recipients over two decades. Dual kidney transplant recipients had significantly lower rates of rejection and graft failure within five years, without any increase in surgical complications or hospital stay. Using both kidneys together is a safe and effective way to utilize organs that might otherwise be discarded, expanding the donor pool.

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This study focused on the selection process for patients receiving end-chain (EC) kidneys, which are part of a growing method of kidney donation in the U.S. The researchers found that while EC kidneys might be of lower quality, they still present important opportunities for patients without living donors. They proposed three ways to choose recipients: using the existing kidney allocation system, maximizing the benefits of the kidney, and giving priority to high-risk patients, suggesting that careful consideration is needed as the usage of EC kidneys increases. Who this helps: This helps patients in need of kidney transplants, especially those without living donors.

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This study looked at how low levels of a protein called albumin before a simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplant affect recovery after the operation. Researchers examined 532 patients and found that low albumin levels (both mild and moderate) did not lead to more complications, such as kidney issues or the need for extra surgeries. This means that having low albumin shouldn't stop patients from getting a transplant, as it doesn’t predict worse outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients who are considering a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant.

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This study examined a case where a kidney transplant recipient developed ehrlichiosis, an infection caused by the Ehrlichia chaffeensis bacteria, from a living donor. The researchers found that donor screening did not identify the infection, which is concerning because tickborne diseases can be hard to spot. It underscores the need for doctors to better understand the donor's health history to prevent similar infections in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving organ transplants and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on a surgical procedure called total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT) for patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis, which causes severe pain and can lead to diabetes. It reviewed 19 cases and found that 79% of patients experienced lasting pain relief, 80% had functioning islet cells after one year, and 32% did not need insulin. This is significant because it can greatly improve patients' quality of life and reduce their reliance on pain medications. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic pancreatitis who are struggling with pain and are at risk of developing diabetes.

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Researchers analyzed whether transplanting pancreata from geographically distant donors led to worse outcomes compared to local donors, examining over 18 years of cases at a single large center. Pancreas survival, patient survival, and clotting complications were all comparable regardless of transport distance. Importing pancreata from farther away is safe and can help reduce patient wait times by expanding access to usable organs.

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This study looks at the ethical issues surrounding the first heart transplant from a pig to a human, which happened in Maryland in early 2022. The patient, David Bennett, was unable to receive a traditional human heart transplant because of his past health choices. The researchers argue that past behavior shouldn't disqualify someone from life-saving treatments, emphasizing that focusing on rules might unfairly limit access for those who already face challenges. Who this helps: This benefits patients who are in need of organ transplants, especially those who may have past medical history that could be misinterpreted.

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This study looked at kidney paired donation (KPD), a method that helps people get kidney transplants by matching donors with recipients even if their blood types don't match, using data from 2006 to 2021. They found that KPD is growing in popularity; in 2021, it accounted for 20% of living donor kidney transplants, with an increase in the number of non-White recipients. However, many transplant programs are still not using KPD effectively, and it's important to gather better data and understand the challenges to expanding this method. Who this helps: This helps patients in need of a kidney transplant, especially those from minority backgrounds.

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This study looked at how crowdfunding is used by patients needing organ transplants to cover their medical expenses. It found that among 231 patients, 43% received thoracic organs, and 42% received kidneys, with 78% using the funds for medical costs. The research highlighted that there are ethical and policy concerns linked to crowdfunding, including potential legal violations and impacts on government benefits, suggesting that new rules may be needed to address these issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking organ transplants and the medical professionals involved in their care.

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This study looks at the ethical questions surrounding organ donation from donors who have died after their heart stops beating. It highlights four key areas of concern: the use of advanced machines to keep organs viable, how death is defined in this context, inconsistencies in how care is withdrawn from donors, and ensuring fairness in access to donations. These findings are important because they aim to protect the rights and dignity of donors, families, and transplant recipients. Who this helps: This helps patients in need of transplants, their families, and medical professionals involved in organ donation.

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This study looked at the process of donating hearts and livers from donors after their hearts have stopped beating, known as circulatory death. It found that delays in cooling abdominal organs during the donation process can lead to additional damage, affecting their quality for transplantation. The research offers insights into better coordination between teams handling different organ types and suggests techniques to improve the outcomes for all organs being donated, which can ultimately enhance access to these life-saving transplants. Who this helps: Patients needing heart and liver transplants.

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This study looked at the success of liver transplants from donors whose hearts were procured after their circulatory death using a specific method called thoracoabdominal donation after circulatory determination of death (TA-DCD). Of 160 livers from TA-DCD donors, 133 were successfully transplanted. The findings showed that the survival of patients and the success of the liver grafts from these donors were on par, or even better, than those from other types of donors, although there was a higher rate of organs not used due to extended warm ischemia (37% compared to just 20.5% and 0.5% in other donor types). Who this helps: This helps patients awaiting liver transplants by potentially increasing the availability of viable organs.

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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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A randomized trial compared standard tacrolimus versus extended-release tacrolimus (Envarsus) in kidney transplant recipients who had delayed graft function after transplant. The two formulations produced similar durations of delayed graft function and numbers of dialysis sessions, but patients on Envarsus required fewer dose adjustments because drug levels were more stable. Envarsus simplifies management during a clinically complex period without compromising recovery.

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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 how willing potential living kidney donors are to accept the risk of kidney failure after donating their kidney. Researchers found that 96% of the 307 participants were willing to accept at least a 0.9% risk of kidney failure, but factors like age, gender, and ethnicity influenced their willingness. Notably, those who felt closer to the person receiving the kidney were more likely to accept higher risks. Who this helps: This research benefits kidney transplant patients and their families by improving the informed consent process for potential donors.

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This study looked at how surgical residents deal with uncertainty in their medical decisions, a challenge known as "Uncertainty Intolerance" (UI). It involved 71 residents who completed assessments to measure their UI and personality traits. The researchers found that the assessments were easy to use and indicated that those with a "Judging" personality may cope better with uncertainty, but more research is needed to confirm this. Who this helps: This benefits surgical residents and their training programs.

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This study looked at how a transplant center at the University of California, San Francisco adjusted its procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep performing necessary surgeries while protecting both patients and healthcare workers. They identified important areas to improve, like managing patient transfers and using technology for remote consultations. As a result of their changes, they were able to continue performing transplants safely, which is crucial for patients needing these life-saving procedures. Who this helps: This helps patients in need of transplants and the healthcare workers caring for them.

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This study looked at what encourages or discourages people from donating a kidney while they are still alive. Thirty participants shared their thoughts on important factors, and the top reasons they chose were the desire to help others (altruism), their relationship to the person needing the kidney, and their knowledge about the donation process. The findings highlight that many people don’t have enough information about living donation, suggesting that campaigns should focus on education, ease of donation, and the positive motivations behind giving. Who this helps: This research benefits potential kidney donors and healthcare programs aiming to increase living donations.

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This study looked at 189 patients who need kidney transplants and how willing they are to accept kidneys from donors infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It found that only 29% of participants would accept an HCV-infected kidney in every situation, while 53% would take certain kidneys but not others, depending on factors like the kidney's quality and the expected success rate of curing HCV. This matters because it highlights that many patients are open to using HCV-infected kidneys under the right conditions, which could help reduce the number of discarded kidneys and potentially provide more transplant options for those in need. Who this helps: This helps kidney transplant patients, especially older individuals and those who have received a kidney transplant before.

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This study looked at the experiences of people who were turned down for living kidney donation between 2010 and 2013. Researchers found that 32% of those turned down felt their lives were worse after the decision, compared to only 7% of actual donors. Additionally, 77% of those who felt worse had intended recipients who did not receive a transplant, indicating a strong emotional impact from being unable to help. Who this helps: This helps individuals considering kidney donation and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at why some people decide not to donate a kidney while they are alive. Out of seven participants, the main reason for opting out was fear of losing income during recovery, and many felt isolated while making their decision. Understanding these reasons helps improve support for potential donors and make the donation process easier. Who this helps: This helps potential kidney donors and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at kidney transplant outcomes for people aged 60 and older, both for recipients and donors. Researchers found that older transplant recipients do well, and the type of donor (whether living or deceased) can impact survival rates, especially with different age groups of donors. This is important because it helps doctors make better choices about who can be donors and the best options for patients in this age group. Who this helps: This helps older patients needing kidney transplants and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined how changes in sensitization levels and waitlist status affect kidney transplant outcomes before and after a new kidney allocation system (KAS) was introduced. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 111,000 patients and found that after KAS was put in place, the one-year transplant probabilities increased for candidates with lower sensitization levels, such as a 0% chance of sensitization (12.3%) and 99-100% (25.2%). This is important because it shows that the new system may improve access to transplants for many patients, regardless of their background. Who this helps: This helps kidney transplant patients and their doctors in understanding the chances of receiving a transplant under the new system.

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This research paper looks at why some people choose not to participate in living kidney donation, focusing on their reasons and experiences. It found that rates of opting out can vary widely, from just 0.2% to as high as 22% at different centers, but we don't know much about why these individuals decline. Understanding these reasons is crucial for improving the donor process and protecting potential donors' rights. Who this helps: This helps potential kidney donors and the medical professionals involved in the donation process.

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This research focused on improving long-term support for people who donate organs while they are alive. The team developed a program that enhances the follow-up care and social support for living donors, aiming to create a community where donors can connect and share their experiences. This is important because as organ donations from living donors increase, it's crucial to ensure their health and well-being are monitored over time. Who this helps: This initiative benefits living organ donors by providing them with ongoing support and resources.

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This study looked at a 2-year-old cat that developed low potassium levels and acid-base imbalances after using an eye drop medication called dorzolamide, which is meant to treat high eye pressure. The cat showed symptoms like weakness and not wanting to eat, and lab tests confirmed low potassium (2.9 mmol/L, while normal is 3.8-5.4 mmol/L) and metabolic acidosis. After stopping the medication and providing some supportive care, the cat's health improved, highlighting a potential risk of this treatment. Who this helps: This information benefits veterinarians and cat owners by raising awareness of possible side effects from topical ophthalmic medications.

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This study looked at how physiotherapists are spread out in Saskatchewan compared to the health needs of the population and how often people use physiotherapy services. The researchers found a strong link between where physiotherapists work and the number of people who report using physiotherapy, with a positive correlation score of 0.655. The results revealed a mismatch in the supply of physiotherapy services, particularly in rural areas, highlighting places that need more support. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those in rural areas, by identifying where more physiotherapy services are needed.

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This study looked at what information potential kidney donors in the U.S. are given when they decide to withdraw from evaluation. Researchers reviewed 148 consent forms from transplant centers and found that while 98% of them mentioned that donors could opt out, only 21% included a “general alibi” for why they might not want to donate. Additionally, only a small number of forms provided clear information about how donors' personal decisions would remain confidential. This matters because better communication can help protect donors' privacy and make them feel more comfortable about their choices. Who this helps: This helps potential kidney donors.

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This study looked at the possibility of offering money to people who donate kidneys while considering the ethical concerns around it. The researchers believe that financial incentives could help increase the number of living kidney donations, which is crucial because there's a shortage of kidneys for transplant. They argue that a carefully regulated pilot study could help understand how donors feel about receiving compensation and whether it might encourage more people to donate. Who this helps: This helps patients in need of kidney transplants.

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This study looked at how living kidney donors are involved in decisions about their own health risks when donating. Researchers found that current practices often ignore the views and preferences of donors, leading to ethical conflicts between ensuring their safety and respecting their choices. They recommend a new approach that focuses on involving donors more in the decision-making process, which could improve their experience and help them feel more in control. Who this helps: This helps kidney donors by ensuring their voices are heard in the donation process.

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This study looked at how effective it is to apply a glaucoma medication called latanoprost to dogs either two or three times a day. Researchers found that both methods lowered eye pressure, with a reduction of about 31% for two times daily and 33% for three times daily. This is important because understanding the best treatment schedule can help manage eye pressure better in dogs with glaucoma. Who this helps: This benefits dogs with glaucoma and their veterinarians.

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This study looked at how well medical students learned pediatric basic life support (PBLS) when they used a blend of online virtual patients and standard training compared to traditional methods. The results showed that students in the blended learning group had better knowledge and performed significantly better, with a 30% higher adherence to the necessary procedures right after training. This is important because better training methods can lead to more effective emergency responses, potentially saving children's lives. Who this helps: This helps medical students and healthcare professionals who provide emergency care to children.

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The study looked at consent forms used by hospitals to evaluate living liver donors, checking if they met guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Out of the 37 hospitals that participate in living donor evaluations, it was found that only 57% included all 9 required CMS elements in their consent forms, and only 17% offered a written alibi to donors who chose to withdraw from the evaluation. This matters because clear and complete consent forms help protect donors and ensure they are fully informed about the evaluation process. Who this helps: This helps living liver donors by improving the information they receive during the evaluation process.