August, 2013
Post liver transplant metabolic syndrome linked to obesity, diabetes
Healio
Factors such as obesity and current and family history of diabetes increased the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome following liver transplantation in a recent study. Researchers evaluated 84 patients (mean age, 53.9 years; 75 percent men) with cirrhosis before and after undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure and nutritional intake were assessed before and three, six and 12 months after transplantation, along with biochemical factors including glucose,...
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July, 2013
Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) in kidney-transplanted children
Pediatric Transplantation (login required)
NODAT and IGT are well-known complications of immunosuppressive therapy after transplantation being a risk factor for cardiovascular disease affecting patient and graft survival. Therefore, early identification and treatment are of high importance. This study examines the glycemic homeostasis of 20 renal-transplanted children using routine laboratory tests and the continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS). Six patients (30 percent) had IGT, and one patient had NODAT (5...
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Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver in children after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Pediatric Transplantation (login required)
FNH is a non-malignant neoplasia of the liver rarely described in children. A significant percentage of the pediatric cases have been reported in patients with a history of malignant disease treated with chemo-radiation therapy and in children who were given HSCT. Little is known about the pathogenesis of FNH in transplanted children, but many risk factors linked to the HSCT procedure have been hypothesized. The detection of hepatic nodules,...
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In a press release sent out yesterday, Representative Lois Capps (CA-24) applauded the House Energy and Commerce Committee's passage of the HOPE Act (H.R. 698, the HIV Organ Policy Equity Act), a bill she authored that would create a science-based path for medical research to proceed on the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of HIV-positive to HIV-positive organ transplants.
AST President, Dr. Daniel Salomon, was quoted in the press release commending the work of Congresswoman Capps to introduce the HOPE Act and for her work in developing the new policy. "On behalf of the American Society...
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Gene test may ID kidney rejection
MedPage Today (login required)
A urine-derived three-gene signature showed potential for noninvasive discrimination of kidney grafts that are being rejected from those that are not, a study of almost 500 kidney recipients showed.
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Donor-specific antibodies: Can they predict C4d deposition in pediatric heart recipients?
Pediatric Transplantation (login required)
There is limited evidence regarding the utility of circulating DSA in surveillance...
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The AST recently commented on the following OPTN policy proposals:
Proposal to Redefine the Role of the Vice-President of the Board of Directors
Propoal to Add Serum Sodium to the MELD Score
Proposed Changed to the OPTN Bylaws Governing Histocompatibility Labs
Proposed Update to the HLA Equivalency Tables in Appendix 3A
Proposal to Clarify Requirements for Independent Donor Advocates (IDA) at Living Kidney Donor Recovery Center
Proposal to Change Pediatric Heart Allocation Policy
Click here to read AST's... Read More...
The national program for deceased organ donation in China
Transplantation (login required)
China has developed a new national program for deceased-organ donation to address the need for organ transplantation in the country. The program adheres to the World Health Organization guiding principles, is compliant with the Declaration of Istanbul, and respects the cultural and social values of the Chinese people. The experience of pilot trials conducted between 2010 and 2012 was evaluated to generate a comprehensive design of a national program of organ donation and transplantation for...
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AST's
Timely Topics in Transplantation webinar series is available free to members 24/7 online Webinars include "DSA: New Concerns and New Therapies," "New Strategies in Hepatitis Management," and "Meeting the Challenges of Resistance." The AST's
Business of Transplantation live webinar series has concluded, but all eight webinars are available in archive format.
Are we on the right track with new drugs and biologics? Have the targets changed? Where can we really impact outcomes with "technology-omics?" The time has come to integrate our strategies, therapies and technology, and critically assess their merits as we face the enormous task of extending transplant survival. Save the date for the
2014 AST Cutting Edge of Transplantation where expert clinicians, leading diagnosticians, and world class scientists will address this enormous challenge together with an engaged audience.
When: Feb. 13-16, 2014...
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June, 2013
American Society of Transplantation Board Member Provides Expert Testimony to
House Energy & Commerce Committee in Support of Key Immunosuppressive
Drug Coverage Legislation
Dr. Larry Melton of Baylor University Medical Center offers insight to Congress as it examines reforms to improve the Medicare Part B Drug Program
WASHINGTON, DC, June 28, 2013 - The American Society of Transplantation (AST), an international organization of transplant professionals dedicated to advancing the field of transplantation, today announced that AST Board Member Dr. Larry Melton has offered key testimony...
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