New studies, surgical feats advance organ transplant medicine

Editor's Note

Advances in organ transplant research and technology have been in the spotlight for medical media outlets for much of April, which also happens to be National Donate Life Month (a time dedicated to raising awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation).

For example, CBS News published an investigation into why one in three donated kidneys is discarded rather than implanted. “Organs go unused for many reasons, including logistical challenges, organ quality, rising donation rates and performance measures,” the outlet reported on April 14, offering various charts and graphs outlining systemic issues within the organ procurement and transplant network.

Shortly before the release of that report, Healthcare Brew conducted an interview with the leader of a company that aims to help. Paragonix—recently acquird by global medtech firm Getinge—offers devices that that enable transplanting donated organs more easily, including on commercial flights rather than conventional charter aircraft. The technology is reportedly already supporting the transport of hearts, lungs, kidneys, livers, and pancreases. The central goal is to “buy more time” to match donors and recipients while reducing logistical and financial barriers, explains co-founder CEO Lisa Anderson.   

High-profile surgical procedures also have been making the news. On April 17, New Atlas reported on a world-first zero-ischemic time heart transplant performed by a team of surgeons at the National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) in Tapei. As detailed in the article, capability to eliminate ischemic time offers the potential to prevent injury after reperfusion.

In another high-profile procedure, an Alabama woman lived with a pig kidney for a record 130 days before the organ needed to be removed. As reported April 11 by the Associated Press (AP), genetically altering pigs could prevent thousands who die waiting on a US transplant list that currently numbers more than 100,000 people.  

Medpage Today dives deeper into kidney transplants with coverage of the National Kidney Foundation's Spring Clinical Meetings. Among other news relevant to perioperative professionals, the outlet covered the impact of high temperatures and differences by gender and race.

One article, published April 11, covers new research showing high temperatures pose significant risks to kidney transplant recipients, potentially compromising graft function and patient health. The findings emphasize the importance of developing guidelines to protect kidney transplant recipients during heatwaves, including patient education on hydration, avoidance of excessive heat exposure, and close monitoring of renal function.

The next day, the outlet reported on research showing male kidney donors were more likely than female donors to experience early post-donation kidney function decline. In this large retrospective cohort study, researchers found that biological factors, such as protective effects of estrogen, and psychosocial differences, including poorer lifestyle habits more common in men, may contribute to the disparity. Researchers emphasized the need for closer post-donation surveillance for male donors, particularly those without prior hypertension.

An April 14 Medpage Today report details a mixed-methods study pinpointing barriers to children receiving living-donor kidney transplants. Findings show race, the need for medical assistance transportation, receiving supplemental nutrition assistance or other income, and being on Medicaid were significantly associated with lower odds of children receiving a living rather than deceased donor transplant. Follow the link below for more NKF meeting coverage.