#Organ transplantation

[macgyvermedical]

If someone got an organ transplant from an identical twin, would they need immunosuppressants like most transplant recipients?

Like, the reason people need immunosuppressants if they’ve had a transplant is because the transplanted organ has different dna cuz it’s from another person, so the immune system pings it as foreign and attacks it. Right?

But if the organ is from an identical twin, that’s the same dna, so….?

You're right- they would not need immunosuppresant drugs because the body would recognize the tissue as itself and not attack it.

In fact, the first successful kidney transplant was between identical twins in 1954. At the time it was very well studied that homografts (transplants between the same species) were almost universally rejected, and there was no way to suppress immune function or prevent rejection in these cases unless the donor and recipient were identical twins.

The first methods for immunosuppression mostly involved radiation, and while these were occasionally successful, they were much more often not successful. The first successful immunosuppressive drug regimen came out in 1963, a combination of prednisone and azathioprine, increasing the survival rate to 70% at one year post surgery.

In 1976 the first single immunosuppressive drug was introduced- cyclosporine. Even better results occurred when mixed with prednisone. In 1989, tacrolimus became the new standard anti-rejection medication, since it was less toxic and more potent than cyclosporine.

[tilos-tagebuch]

A father hears his daughter's donated heartbeat in the man whose life she saved with it. 😢

[greenpostua]

😨 Зірку фільмів "Євротур", "Пліткарка", "Шпигунка Геррієт", "Інспектор Гаджет" та серіалу "Баффі – переможниця вампірів" (де вона грала роль Дон Саммерс) знайшли 26 лютого без свідомості та реакції у її квартирі в Нью-Йорку. Парамедики констатували смерть на місці події. Акторці було 39 років.

ABC News повідомило, що їй зробили трансплантацію печінки та «можливо, у неї були ускладнення», водночас зазначивши, що місцева поліція не розслідує смерть як підозрілу. Для встановлення точної причини смерті буде проведено розтин.

Батько Мішель походить з Німеччини, а мати — єврейка з Одеси.

📸: @gettyimagesarchive

[ciltilladeltilla]

(edited sprint piece, 500 words, partly inspired by this book & paper)

The ice chest sat next to the hotel bed, covering a hole in the three layers of plastic wrap. He looked at it while the surgeon prepared, and hoped she wouldn't do any more checks to see if he was sure.

Even he'd assumed it was insomnia until he'd noticed mirrors had a color. It was a putrid color, at that - a higher octave of beige, only more damnably bright than the others.

"There aren't any medical texts for this, of course," she explained, shrugging off a layer of baggy casualwear and revealing full scrubs with plastic gloves taped to them. "It's a bit like those marriage drive-thrus in Vegas. Do they still have those? Anyway, you'll want to avoid doing any physicals from now on."

At night, stars had become suns again, while moonlight smeared the air and made it into fog. The moon itself didn't wane for him, but when its light was fainter it became almost tiger-striped with infrareds that rhymed with orange and green.

Next had come the clicking from the outdoors, a bomb or a loom hushed only by the rain. The sound of more letters being forced into his box in the lobby by someone cursing under their breath. Spiders became hydraulic and pistoning, snapped branches became wet telegraphs, and a universe of tiny, churning mouths vibrated the concrete under his feet.

The cravings had clarified the rest.

In the hotel room he laid back - sparing the details - and stared at the popcorn ceiling, thinking distantly of canopic jars. It was a wonder to him that this, this alone, should be so sensationless.

When the work has halfway done the ice chest was opened and gave a long, droning sigh as the surgeon lifted four containers and twisted four seals. For him it was hard to tell them apart except for size, but each smelled like mud or railroads or lifelong, prickling fear.

The group had already told him that rabbit, elk, pig and falcon were the traditional hearts for starting someone off. They'd also given him a warning, that his life depended on knowing which things kept and which would go sour. Which, he suspected, was just their segue to telling him he'd be paying in favors and not cash.

Rabbit, elk, pig, falcon. There was room for them, now, and as each was attached and resumed its operation he felt more - awake? The present contracted and expanded in the same motion, somehow - finer-grained but across a broader surface. All four beat in separate rhythms, syncopating in pairs and flirting in triplets until they joined in a crescendo on the half-hour mark.

"And - that's it?" he asked as the surgeon closed him up.

She placed the sewing needle between her teeth and made a 'so-so' gesture with her hand. "Reason these are standard is they go bad in about five years. Make nice with the right people and show you keep your favors and that won't be a problem. If that's not you, figure something out."

She declined to elaborate further.

[surgtechintraining]

Might I also propose DNR+ for those who want to maintain the ability to donate organs!

A code status is what you want the hospital to do if your heart or breathing stops, and we've got two basic options: full code which means we do EVERYTHING and Do Not Resuscitate or DNR which means we do less than everything. There's like little add-ons like intubated or not intubated, or blood products or no blood products, but that's basic gist of it. Do you want us to try everything we can to save your life or if your heart stops, is that it? And then we take that information and put it in your chart and make it very prominent in case we need to find it quickly in an emergency. Jane Doe, 72 years old, DNR. John Whatsisname, 49 years old, full code. Like that.

Anyway I'd like to propose a third code status that we'll call "DNR!!!" This is when you not only don't want heroic measures to extend your life, you are so excited to die. I thought of this recently when getting report on a patient, and the day nurse talking to me was like, "Alice Smith, 80 years old, DNR and she will tell you that herself." And I was like, "I don't think code status is gonna come up organically," and the nurse was like, "It won't, but she'll tell you anyway." And then I introduced myself to the patient, and like three minutes in as we're talking about pain meds, she goes, "and by the way, when I'm dead, I'm DEAD. Don't be bringing me back! Every woman in my family has lived past 90, and I'm here to break that tradition! NO one needs to live that long, and I certainly don't, and frankly it's indecent for me to have made it this far. God willing the reaper will come for me any day now. I would never take actions to make him come sooner, but I'm not moving that fast and he is DAWDLING. Disgusting. No work ethic these days. And don't bother with a grave, just chuck me out the window and let the birds at me."

And I'm like "so is that a no to the tylenol"

And she was like "oh no, I'd love some tylenol and a warm blanket too. Now look at me. I've done everything I could possibly want to do in this world and quite a few things I didn't want to do, and personally I don't think I should have to keep doing things. I'd also love a cranberry juice."

Anyway. DNR!! I'm sorry to say she made it through the night completely unscathed.

[youthchronical]

Green corridor saves a life in Hyderabad, heart transported via road and metro in 36 minutes

Hyderabad witnessed yet another successful organ transport on Saturday (March 8) evening as a donor heart was moved from Kamineni Hospital in LB Nagar to Apollo Hospital in Jubilee Hills via a coordinated green corridor | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Hyderabad witnessed yet another successful organ transport on Saturday evening as a donor heart was moved from Kamineni Hospital in L.B. Nagar…

[visionaryvogues03]

How Bioprinting Is Solving the Global Organ Shortage Crisis?

Bioprinting of organs or tissues in vitro has been driven by two needs i.e. organ transportation, & accurate tissue models. Bioprinting is synonymously also known as three-dimensional printing or 3D printing, is a method to develop tissues for the heart, liver & similar vital organs. It is done using biomaterials, viable cells & biomolecules. Bioprinting tissue could revolutionize the world of medicine & it has the potential to eliminate the need of donor organs. 

Understanding the Organ Shortage Crisis

The demand for organ transplants far exceeds the available supply. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only a fraction of the people on transplant waiting lists receive the organs they need each year. Traditional organ donation faces several barriers, including low donor rates, ethical concerns, and biological compatibility issues. Moreover, organ trafficking and black-market activities have emerged as dangerous byproducts of this scarcity. Bioprinting offers a promising alternative by eliminating dependency on human donors and reducing the waiting time for transplants.

How Bioprinting Works

Bioprinting is a complex, multi-step process that combines biology, engineering, and advanced manufacturing techniques to create human tissues and organs. The process generally involves:

Bioink Development: Scientists create bioinks—specialized printable materials composed of living cells and biomaterials—that mimic the extracellular matrix of human tissues.

Layer-by-Layer Printing: Using 3D bioprinters, these bioinks are deposited layer by layer to form the structural framework of tissues and organs.

Cell Growth & Maturation: The printed structures are incubated in bioreactors, where cells proliferate and develop into fully functional tissues.

Transplantation & Integration: Once mature, bioprinted tissues or organs can be implanted into patients, where they integrate with existing biological systems.

The Promise of Bioprinted Organs

3D Biofabrication has the potential to solve the organ shortage crisis by providing an on-demand supply of patient-specific organs. Key advantages include:

Personalized Medicine: Since bioprinted organs can be created using a patient’s own cells, the risk of immune rejection is significantly reduced.

Reduced Dependency on Donors: Bioprinting minimizes the need for human donors, addressing the supply-demand imbalance.

Faster Transplantation: Instead of waiting months or years for an organ match, patients could receive transplants within weeks, reducing mortality rates.

Enhanced Research & Drug Testing: Bioprinted tissues allow pharmaceutical companies to test drugs on human-like tissues, improving the accuracy of clinical trials and reducing reliance on animal testing.

Challenges & Barriers to Adoption

Despite its enormous potential, bioprinting is still in its early stages and faces several hurdles:

Technical Limitations: Printing complex organs like hearts or kidneys requires precise vascularization to ensure nutrient and oxygen delivery.

Regulatory Approval: Governments and regulatory agencies must establish guidelines to ensure the safety and efficacy of bioprinted organs before they can be used in clinical settings.

High Costs: The development and production of bioprinted organs remain expensive, making scalability a challenge.

Ethical Considerations: The ability to create human organs raises ethical and philosophical questions regarding organ ownership, accessibility, and potential misuse.

Business & Investment Opportunities

The rapid advancements in bioprinting present lucrative opportunities for businesses and investors. The global tissue engineering printing market is projected to grow exponentially, driven by increased funding in regenerative medicine and rising demand for organ transplantation solutions. Startups and biotech firms specializing in 3D biofabrication technologies are attracting significant venture capital, while pharmaceutical companies are exploring partnerships to leverage bioprinted tissues for drug development.

Additionally, governments and healthcare institutions are investing in research grants and collaborative initiatives to accelerate the commercialization of bioprinted organs. As regulatory frameworks evolve, we can expect an influx of new players entering the market, further driving innovation and competition.

The Future of Bioprinting in Healthcare

Looking ahead, bioprinting is set to revolutionize not only organ transplantation but also the broader field of regenerative medicine. Scientists are exploring the possibility of printing complex organ systems with functional blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. The long-term goal is to develop fully autonomous, self-sustaining bioprinted organs that function identically to their natural counterparts.

Moreover, as artificial intelligence and machine learning integrate with 3D biofabrication, we can anticipate greater precision, automation, and efficiency in organ fabrication. With continued investment and research, the dream of eliminating the organ shortage crisis through bioprinting is closer than ever to becoming a reality.

Conclusion

Bioprinting represents a groundbreaking advancement in medical science, offering a viable solution to the global organ shortage crisis. By enabling the creation of patient-specific organs, reducing dependency on human donors, and accelerating transplantation timelines, tissue engineering printing is reshaping the future of healthcare. While challenges remain, the technology’s potential to save millions of lives and transform the transplant landscape cannot be ignored. As businesses, investors, and healthcare leaders continue to support this revolutionary field, 3D biofabrication is set to redefine the way we approach organ transplantation and regenerative medicine in the years to come.

Uncover the latest trends and insights with our articles on Visionary Vogues

[transplants-india]

Better Checkups Now Prevent Scary Health Risks

In a world where everything moves so fast, it can be easy to disregard the promotion of good health in the absence of a problem. Regular medical check-ups also become part of a dynamic approach to wellness. These checkups can allow for early detection of health problems and increase the possibility of effective treatment, along with a reduction of life-threatening health problems. Be it a regular check-up or a preventive health screening, the regularized portion may also just be the way to ensure longevity and health.

It is against this backdrop that many organ transplant foundations in India have become critical in providing transplant-related financial assistance to impoverished and marginalized communities. Organizations such as Transplant India do praiseworthy work for humanity so that organ transplants, be it kidney, liver, or heart transplants, remain accessible. This links up the idea of regular check-ups as a way of diagnosing ailments early for proper intervention.

How Early Detection Can Affect Organ Transplantation

Regular check-ups serve a critical function in the early detection of health issues that could require interventions such as organ and tissue transplantation in India. Many chronic illnesses that affect the liver, kidneys, and heart are insidious and, as a rule, do not have symptoms until late in the disease. The possibility of devising several non-invasive means of diagnosing liver disease early has significantly diminished the occurrence of liver transplants by administering pharmaceutical management for liver disease at a very early stage. Such ailments as hypertension and diabetes, which are more prevalent in causing kidney failure, are capable of being effectively managed when diagnosed early.

Organizations for the transplants of organs and tissues based in Mumbai give stress to preventive healthcare. They work in close association with individuals on the ground to generate awareness of the relevance of early diagnosis, thereby assuring that fewer people find themselves in acute need of a transplant.

Types of Organ Transplant Explained

When the failure of some organs becomes irreversible, organ transplantation is left as an alternative in the culmination of treatments to save lives. They can involve the organs of both living and deceased individuals. In Mumbai, however, we see a steady increase in the number of organs donated by living donors, thus indicating a growing awareness regarding organ donation.

The needy organs, such as kidneys and parts of livers, have been donated by such living persons. The waiting list for patients of numerous diseases is, amongst many other things, the difference between living and not living. Organ transplant foundations in India are now networking closely with medical personnel to bridge the gap between donors and recipients.

Financial Assistance and Its Role in Easing Access

Cost remains one of the biggest barriers to accessing organ transplants. Be it the liver, kidney, or heart, such procedures are exorbitantly costly. Financial assistance thus acquires significance, in India, for example, it includes different initiatives aimed at improving conditions for low-income patients undergoing kidney transplants and heart transplants.

Crowdfunding for organ transplant has become a great way to raise funds for medical treatments. By way of transplant crowdfunding for organs, patients and their families can reach out to an audience that stretches far beyond their nearest social circles for support. Such forms of crowdfunding for organ transplant have been instrumental in saving a great number of lives.

The Vital Need for Organ Donation Awareness

While financial assistance and medical care are crucial, the availability of organs remains a significant challenge. Creating awareness about organ donation is a critical step toward addressing this issue. In urban centers like Mumbai, NGOs such as organ donation NGOs in Mumbai actively run campaigns to educate the public about the importance of organ donation. By encouraging people to become an organ donor in Mumbai, these organizations help build a culture of giving where individuals recognize the profound impact of donating organs. Such efforts not only save lives but also create a ripple effect of compassion and humanity within communities.

How Regular Checkups Can Save Lives

Routine health screenings are a powerful tool for preventing severe medical conditions. They help monitor key indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and organ function. For individuals at risk of chronic diseases, regular medical consultations can serve as an early warning system, guiding them toward necessary lifestyle changes or medical treatments.

Organizations that offer financial help for liver transplant patients in India emphasize the importance of maintaining good health to minimize the need for transplants. They also support initiatives that encourage regular health assessments, particularly for those in vulnerable demographics.

[reasonsforhope]

"The first modern attempt at transferring a uterus from one human to another occurred at the turn of the millennium. But surgeons had to remove the organ, which had become necrotic, 99 days later. The first successful transplant was performed in 2011 — but even then, the recipient wasn’t immediately able to get pregnant and deliver a baby. It took three more years for the first person in the world with a transplanted uterus to give birth. 

More than 70 such babies have been born globally in the decade since. “It’s a complete new world,” said Giuliano Testa, chief of abdominal transplant at Baylor University Medical Center.

Almost a third of those babies — 22 and counting — have been born in Dallas at Baylor. On Thursday, Testa and his team published a major cohort study in JAMA analyzing the results from the program’s first 20 patients. All women were of reproductive age and had no uterus (most having been born without one), but had at least one functioning ovary. Most of the uteri came from living donors, but two came from deceased donors.

Fourteen women had successful transplants, all of whom were able to have at least one baby.  

“That success rate is extraordinary, and I want that to get out there,” said Liza Johannesson, the medical director of uterus transplants at Baylor, who works with Testa and co-authored the study. “We want this to be an option for all women out there that need it.”

Six patients had transplant failures, all within two weeks of the procedure. Part of the problem may have been a learning curve: The study initially included only 10 patients, and five of the six with failed transplants were in that first group. These were “technical” failures, Testa said, involving aspects of the surgery such as how surgeons connected the organ’s blood vessels, what material was used for sutures, and selecting a uterus that would work well in a transplant. 

The team saw only one transplant fail in the second group of 10 people, the researchers said. All 20 transplants took place between September 2016 and August 2019.

Only one other cohort study has previously been published on uterus transplants, in 2022. A Swedish team, which included Johannesson before she moved to Baylor, performed seven successful transplants out of nine attempts. Six women, including the first transplant recipient to ever deliver a baby back in 2014, gave birth.

“It’s hard to extract data from that, because they were the first ones that did it,” Johannesson said. “This is the first time we can actually see the safety and efficacy of this procedure properly.”

So far, the signs are good: High success rates for transplants and live births, safe and healthy children so far, and early signs that immunosuppressants — typically given to transplant recipients so their bodies don’t reject the new organ — may not cause long-term harm, the researchers said. (The uterine transplants are removed after recipients no longer need them to deliver children.) And the Baylor team has figured out how to identify the right uterus for transfer: It should be from a donor who has had a baby before, is premenopausal, and, of course, who matches the blood type of the recipient, Testa said...

“They’ve really embraced the idea of practicing improvement as you go along, to understand how to make this safer or more effective. And that’s reflected in the results,” said Jessica Walter, an assistant professor of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, who co-authored an editorial on the research in JAMA...

Walter was a skeptic herself when she first learned about uterine transplants. The procedure seemed invasive and complicated. But she did her fellowship training at Penn Medicine, home to one of just four programs in the U.S. doing uterine transplants. 

“The firsts — the first time the patient received a transplant, the first time she got her period after the transplant, the positive pregnancy test,” Walter said. “Immersing myself in the science, the patients, the practitioners, and researchers — it really changed my opinion that this is science, and this is an innovation like anything else.” ...

Many transgender women are hopeful that uterine transplants might someday be available for them, but it’s likely a far-off possibility. Scientists need to rewind and do animal studies on how a uterus might fare in a different “hormonal milieu” before doing any clinical trials of the procedure with trans people, Wagner said.

Among cisgender women, more long-term research is still needed on the donors, recipients, and the children they have, experts said.

“We want other centers to start up,” Johannesson said. “Our main goal is to publish all of our data, as much as we can.”"

-via Stat, August 16, 2024

[quotesfrommyreading]

Around the world, the cost of a transplant on the black market ranges from $20,000 to $200,000 – the higher price generally reflecting better treatment and care. The “donor” typically receives a fraction of this cost. The amount that they receive varies from country to country. In the Philippines and Columbia impoverished farmhands and bonded labourers have been documented as receiving less than $2,000 for a kidney. In contrast, kidneys have been sold for between $10,000 and $20,000 in Israel and Turkey.

In Egypt a kidney can sell for anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000. Patients, or “transplant tourists”, pay between $50,000 and $100,000 for a kidney transplant, including travel and accommodation. The price generally depends on market demand. For a kidney, the price paid to the seller can be anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000. Part of the broker’s job is to find out just how wealthy the buyer is, and to establish the absolute minimum the seller is prepared to accept. An impoverished, unemployed seller with no legal status is in no position to negotiate. For this reason, illegal migrants make valuable targets.

A series of drawn-out conflicts in the region have supplied a steady flow of people whose desperation can be commodified in different ways: bodies to be smuggled, sold or harvested. Hakim said that he referred between 20 and 30 sellers a week, who are themselves referred to him by his contacts in Khartoum. “They agree the deal [organ sale] in advance, and I call my uncle to receive them. After the operation, they continue to the coast to try and make the crossing,” he said. Most, he said, don’t make it across the Mediterranean.

I asked whether he felt any remorse for the people he was exploiting. “Yes, I feel bad for them. But I always give them their money. There are other brokers who would agree with you on a price, then disappear after the surgery without paying you,” Hakim said. “This happens at least 40% of the time.”

Most people are not paid what they are promised, but because it is illegal to sell a kidney there is little they can do. Brokers and the medical professionals they work with are aware of this, using the threat of criminal prosecution to silence their victims.

I met Hiba, a young single mother from Sudan, in Cairo in March 2020. She sold her kidney to help support her young daughter. She had been promised $10,000, but was paid $4,000. After she recovered from the surgery, she went back to the hospital to get her money. But prior to the surgery, she had signed documents that stated she was donating her kidney for free. This was enough to give those involved with the surgery legal cover. And now, if Hiba chose to report them to the police, she could be arrested for the criminal offence of selling a kidney. She was powerless to get the full fee she’d been promised.

One reason that worldwide convictions for illicit organ removal are so rare is that victims are reluctant to come forward. Another is systemic corruption. Hakim suggested that doctors pay bribes to protect themselves from police investigations. But he added, a little vaguely: “The doctors are not controlling the business. The people who control this business take a commission from the doctors. You don’t know them or what they do. You just know that those people take a commission from doctors, they control the business [the organ trade] – otherwise, no doctor would be able to work [performing transplants].”

When I asked Hakim if he meant government officials, he simply replied, “They are people higher up.” The threat of arrest, Hakim claimed, acts as a form of official extortion. Corrupt medical professionals, performing illegal transplants, who pay for protection will not be investigated, while those who refuse to pay could be arrested.

  —  ‘For me, there was no other choice’: inside the global illegal organ trade

[arifakhtarurology]

9 Point Evolution of Organ Transplantation in India: A Journey Through Time

The history of organ transplantation in India is a remarkable tale of perseverance, dedication, and medical advancements. From ancient surgical craft to modern-day transplant procedures, the journey has been arduous and full of challenges. In this article, we will delve into the milestones and pioneering efforts that have shaped the field of organ transplantation in India, particularly focusing on kidney transplants. We will also explore the role of live donors, the evolution of transplantation laws, and the significant progress made in the field over the years.

1. The Early Days: Susruta’s Surgical Craft

In ancient India, the remarkable surgical craft of Susruta served as the foundation for the concept of transplantation. Susruta, an accomplished surgeon and physician, is credited with performing groundbreaking procedures, including the reconstruction of deformed noses using tissue from donor sites. This early form of transplantation demonstrated the ancient Indian physicians’ understanding of human anatomy and surgical techniques.

Susruta’s pioneering work laid the groundwork for the development of medical knowledge in India, inspiring generations of physicians to explore innovative ways to address medical challenges. Although the techniques used in ancient times may not resemble modern transplantation procedures, the spirit of innovation and the quest to improve patients’ lives through surgical intervention were evident even then.

2. The Landmark Achievement: The First Successful Renal Transplant

The year 1954 marked a turning point in medical history when American surgeon Joseph Murray achieved the first successful renal transplant between identical twin brothers, Richard and Ronald Herrick. This groundbreaking surgery not only demonstrated the possibility of transplanting organs from one individual to another but also showcased the potential for long-term graft survival. Murray’s pioneering work paved the way for the evolution of organ transplantation as a viable treatment option for patients with organ failure.

The success of the Herrick twin transplant garnered international attention and stimulated further research and interest in the field of organ transplantation. It inspired medical professionals worldwide to explore the complexities of immunosuppression, tissue matching, and post-operative care to improve the success rates of organ transplants. Murray’s work also initiated a new era of live donor transplants, showing that healthy individuals could selflessly donate organs to save the lives of their loved ones, friends, or even strangers in need. This landmark achievement marked the beginning of a new chapter in medical history, offering hope and a renewed sense of possibility for patients with end-stage organ failure.

See also: What is BNI in Urology: Exploring the Benefits and Applications

3. India’s Pioneering Efforts: The KEM Hospital Transplants

In the mid-1960s, India entered the realm of organ transplantation with pioneering efforts at the KEM Hospital in Mumbai. Dr P K Sen and Dev Pardanani led the first-ever attempts at kidney transplantation in the country using deceased donors. Although these initial efforts faced unfortunate outcomes, they were significant milestones in India’s medical history, laying the groundwork for future advancements in organ transplantation.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, the spirit of determination and resilience within the Indian medical community was evident. The second attempt at KEM Hospital in April 1966 was a valiant effort to provide a patient with chronic renal failure a new lease on life. These early experiences led to valuable learnings, with the medical community beginning to comprehend the complexities and intricacies of organ transplantation. This set the stage for subsequent endeavors and instilled hope for the future of organ transplantation in India.

4. The Turning Point: CMC Hospital’s Live Donor Transplant

On 2nd February 1971, CMC Hospital in Vellore witnessed a momentous event that changed the landscape of organ transplantation in India. Dr M Mohan Rao, K V Johny, and Martin Isaac accomplished the first successful live donor renal transplant in the country. This remarkable feat not only demonstrated the medical team’s skill and expertise but also showcased the potential of live donor transplants as a viable solution for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease.

The success at CMC Hospital was not without its challenges. The skepticism from the administration and the high stakes of the procedure underscored the determination and dedication of the medical team involved. Their commitment to success led them to prepare two pairs of donors and recipients to increase the chances of a positive outcome. The success of this pioneering effort marked a turning point in India’s transplantation journey, proving that organ transplantation was feasible and had a bright future in the country. This achievement not only brought hope to countless patients in need of organ transplants but also inspired other medical institutions to explore this life-saving medical intervention further.

5. Advancements and Challenges: The Role of Commerce

As organ transplantation gained momentum in India, the field encountered challenges related to commercialization. Middlemen seeking monetary gains exploited the situation, leading to ethical dilemmas and concerns about organ trafficking. The need for legislation to regulate organ transplantation became evident, culminating in the enactment of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOTA) in 1994.

THOTA was a significant step forward, as it acknowledged brain death as the end of life, thereby enabling the retrieval of organs from deceased donors. This legislation paved the way for a more structured and ethical approach to organ transplantation in India. It established a legal framework for deceased organ donation and transplantation, addressing the issues of organ shortage and the exploitative practices of the past.

Despite the progress, challenges persisted. There was a need for greater awareness about the importance of organ donation and the value of deceased donors in saving multiple lives. Additionally, ensuring equitable access to transplantation facilities across different regions of the country remained a concern. However, THOTA marked a pivotal moment in India’s transplantation landscape, as it provided a strong foundation for future advancements and greater standardization of transplantation procedures.

6. Strides in Organ Transplantation: India’s Progress

In the years following the enactment of THOTA, India witnessed significant progress in the field of organ transplantation. The medical community made remarkable strides in surgical techniques, immunosuppressive medications, and post-operative care. These advancements contributed to improved patient outcomes and increased graft survival rates, thereby offering new hope to patients with organ failure.

Kidney transplantation, in particular, saw exponential growth, becoming a standard treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. The establishment of specialized transplant centers across the country, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and skilled medical personnel, further bolstered India’s position as a leading destination for organ transplantation in the region.

Moreover, India’s expertise in liver, heart, and lung transplants also expanded, providing life-saving options for patients with severe organ failure in these respective organs. Medical professionals continued to collaborate and share knowledge, fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement in the field of organ transplantation.

As India continued to make strides in organ transplantation, the emphasis on ethical practices, transparency, and patient safety remained paramount. The medical fraternity, in partnership with non-governmental organizations and government agencies, worked tirelessly to promote deceased organ donation and combat organ trafficking.

See also: Finding the Best Penile Implant Surgery in Gurgaon: What You Need to Know

7. Kidney Transplant – A New Hope for Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

For patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD), kidney transplantation has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering the prospect of a new lease on life. Dialysis, though life-saving, poses significant challenges and limitations, impacting the quality of life for ESRD patients. Kidney transplantation, on the other hand, offers the possibility of long-term recovery, improved quality of life, and reduced medical expenses compared to lifelong dialysis treatment.

The success of kidney transplantation in India has not only improved patient outcomes but has also increased awareness about living organ donation. Families and friends of patients have come forward to donate kidneys altruistically, exemplifying the inherent compassion and empathy of the human spirit.

With advancements in surgical techniques, organ preservation methods, and immunosuppressive medications, the risks associated with kidney transplantation have significantly reduced. Improved patient selection criteria, meticulous pre-transplant evaluations, and post-operative care have further contributed to higher success rates.

Despite the progress, there is still a considerable gap between the demand and availability of organs for transplantation. Promoting deceased organ donation through awareness campaigns and education remains a critical focus area for the medical community and policymakers.

8. Liver, Heart, and Lung Transplants – Expanding Horizons

While kidney transplantation has been at the forefront of organ transplantation in India, there have been significant developments in liver, heart, and lung transplants as well. Liver transplantation has become a well-established procedure in the country, with a growing number of experienced liver transplant surgeons and well-equipped transplant centers.

India’s achievements in heart transplantation have also been noteworthy, offering a glimmer of hope to patients with end-stage heart failure. Heart transplant centers have demonstrated the expertise to handle complex cases, providing patients with a chance for extended survival and improved quality of life.

Furthermore, lung transplantation, though relatively newer in India, has shown promise in treating patients with severe lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung diseases. The successful lung transplants have brought renewed hope to patients who were previously bound by the constraints of debilitating respiratory conditions.

As the medical community gains more experience and expertise in these complex procedures, the scope for successful organ transplantation continues to expand, giving patients with severe organ failure a renewed sense of hope and optimism.

9. Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the tremendous progress made in organ transplantation in India, several challenges persist. The shortage of organs for transplantation remains a critical concern. While living donor transplants have gained popularity, deceased organ donation rates need to be substantially increased to meet the growing demand.

Ensuring equitable access to transplantation facilities across different regions of India is another pressing issue. Rural and economically disadvantaged communities often face barriers in accessing transplant centers, resulting in disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.

Additionally, there is a constant need to maintain ethical standards and combat organ trafficking. Rigorous monitoring and implementation of legal regulations, along with continuous public awareness campaigns, are necessary to curb unethical practices in organ transplantation.

Despite the challenges, the future of organ transplantation in India holds great promise. Advancements in regenerative medicine and stem cell research may open up new avenues for organ replacement and regeneration, reducing the reliance on donor organs.

Continued research into immunosuppressive medications, organ preservation techniques, and post-operative care will further enhance transplant outcomes. The development of cutting-edge technologies and telemedicine may help extend transplantation services to underserved regions, improving patient access to life-saving treatments.

Conclusion

The journey of organ transplantation in India has been characterized by remarkable achievements, pioneering efforts, and significant advancements. From the ancient surgical craft of Susruta to modern live donor transplants, the medical community has demonstrated unwavering dedication in improving patients’ lives through organ transplantation.

The successes in kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplants have transformed the lives of countless patients, offering hope, renewed health, and a chance at a brighter future. However, challenges related to organ shortage, equitable access, and ethical practices persist, necessitating ongoing efforts from all stakeholders.

As India continues to build on its accomplishments, the emphasis must remain on raising awareness about deceased organ donation, strengthening medical infrastructure, and nurturing a culture of compassion and altruism towards organ transplantation. With continued dedication, collaboration, and innovation, India can further solidify its position as a global leader in organ transplantation, extending the gift of life to countless patients in need.

See also: Exploring the Benefits of the OIU Procedure in Urology

Source: https://drarifakhtarurology.com/services/kidney-transplant/

[creativeera]

The Global Cell and Tissue Preservation Market will grow at highest pace owing to increasing research in cryopreservation

The global cell and tissue preservation market covers equipment, consumables, and media used for cryopreservation and preservation of cells and tissues. Cell & tissue preservation allows long-term storage of biological samples at ultra-low temperatures for future application in research activities, clinical diagnostics, and cell & tissue-based therapies. Cell preservation equipment help in controlled freezing and thawing required for cryopreservation of samples, while consumables are one-time use containers and media are solutions required for storage of biological materials. The increasing research in application of stem cells for disease treatment and growing demand for biobanking are fueling the need for cell & tissue preservation products.

Global Cell And Tissue Preservation Market is estimated to be valued at USD 5.11 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 10.82 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3% from 2024 to 2031. 

Key Takeaways Key players operating in the global cell and tissue preservation market are Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Lonza, BD, MerckKGaA, Cytiva, Agilent Technologies, Inc., Avantor, Inc., FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific, BioLifeSolutions Inc., AMSBIO, Princeton CryoTech, STEMCELL Technologies Inc., LGC SeraCare, Corning Incorporated, CellGenix GmbH. The global cell and tissue preservation market has seen rising demand due to increasing research in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicines. The number of clinical trials has increased multi-fold over the last decade. Preservation is vital for storage and transportation of biological samples used in these research studies and clinical applications. Technological advancements in cryopreservation process, equipment, and storage solutions are also fueling the Global Cell And Tissue Preservation Market Size. Automated freezing and controlled rate freezing equipment offer standardization and improve sample viability. Newer biomaterials provide better tissue preservation and enhance the capabilities of biobanks to store various sample types. Market trends: - Increased adoption of automated cell and tissue processing: Automation reduces manual errors and improves throughput and standardization in preservation workflow. - Growing preference for serum-free and animal-component free solutions: Developments are underway to address end-user demand for xeno-free formulations to avoid contamination. Market Opportunities: - Emerging economies in Asia Pacific and Latin America: Improving research infrastructure and increasing healthcare investments provide lucrative opportunities. - Umbilical cord blood and tissue banking: Expanding network of private and public banks worldwide augments demand for specialized preservation solutions. Impact of COVID-19 on Global Cell and Tissue Preservation Market Growth The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the growth of Global Cell and Tissue Preservation Market Regional Analysis. During the initial lockdown period, hospitals and research institutes experienced supply chain disruptions as transportation restrictions were imposed globally. This led to shortage of raw materials such as preservation media for cell and tissue culture preservation. However, with increased focus on vaccine development and clinical testing, demand for preserved cell and tissue samples grew exponentially. Manufacturers responded swiftly by scaling up their production capacities and supply chains. Government funding for COVID-19 research also boosted the procurement of preservation products and equipment by biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Post lockdown, the market has witnessed growing demand from biobanks for long term preservation of COVID-19 testing samples as well as various cell lines used in vaccine development studies. The need to store clinical samples for future analysis has accelerated the adoption of automated banking equipment by government organizations. Moving forward, sustained research on virus pathogenesis and development of combination therapies will further augment the requirement for preserved biomaterials. Additionally, cell and tissue transplantation procedures deferred during peak pandemic period are being resumed, contributing to market revenues. Overall, COVID-19 has enhanced the significance of cell and tissue biobanking globally. Get more insights on Global Cell And Tissue Preservation Market

[seemabhatnagar]

"Ensuring Fairness: High Court Directs Reconsideration of Transplant Decision"

J. Rajkumar v. The Authorization Committee Transplantation

W.P. 13642/2024 & WMP 14806 & 14807 / 2024

Before the High Court of Madras

Heard by Hon’ble Mr. Justice G R Swaminathan J

Order: The High Court allowed the Writ Petition of the Petitioner also set aside the rejection order of the Authorization Committee Transplantation The Committee / first respondent was directed to re-consider and pass an appropriate order within three weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of the order.

Judgment pronounced on 31.05.2024

Background

Writ Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India was filed for the calling of the records of the 1st respondent whereby the authorization committee rejected the petitioner's application for transplantation of Human Organ and to quash the rejection order and direct the 1st respondent to approve the petitioner's application/grant/approval/NOC to the petitioner for his kidney transplantation.

Facts:

1.      The Petitioner aged about 30 years was suffering from chronic kidney disease and a nephrologist had advised him for a kidney transplant. His wife wanted to donate her kidney but because of medical incompatibility transplantation couldn’t happen. Offers were made by other relatives as well but due to incompatibility factors transplantation couldn’t take place.

2.      A known of the family Mrs. Radhika offered to donate her kidney and it was found compatible however, the Authorization Committee Transplant rejected her offer as she was not a relative of the Petitioner.

Contention of the petitioner & the donor

1.      The kidney is offered out of love and affection and for the well-being of the petitioner’s family and there is no economic consideration to it.

Contention of the Government Counsel

1.      The Court shouldn’t interfere in the rejection order of the Authorization Committee Transplantation as the petitioner has the remedy of Appeal as provided under Section 17 of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994.

Observation of the Court

1.      The refusal by hospitals in the State of Tamil Nadu to perform transplants concerning unrelated donors is illegal.

2.      The transplants from non-near relative donors is contemplated under Section 9(3) of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, and Rules 14 and 19 of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2014 prescribing the procedure

3.      The Form 11 application submitted by the petitioner and the prospective donor was rejected by assigning the following reason “photo evidence and statement are grossly contradictory.”

4.      The opportunity for a personal hearing must be given. If an adverse order is passed, the rights of the patient is at stake. That is why, it is necessary to comply with the principles of natural justice. If any doubt occurs in the minds of the committee members, the applicants must be put on notice and allowed to explain.

5.      The petitioner was not given any opportunity to explain the contradiction noticed by the committee. There has been a gross violation of the principles of natural justice.

6.      The statement made by the prospective donor that he/she is coming forward to donate the organ out of altruism cannot be questioned unless there is definite material to show the passing of consideration. In this case, the minutes do not indicate the existence of commercial dealings between the parties.

Seema Bhatnagar

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Supreme Hospital is best for Kidney Transplant Surgery. Kidney Specialist Hospital for Renal transplantation, another name for kidney transplant surgery, is a medical technique used to replace a failing or damaged kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor. It is usually taken into consideration when a person's kidneys have become so dysfunctional that dialysis is no longer necessary to maintain life.

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Organ Transplants Made Hassle-Free- Transplant Counsellor Shows The Way

Organ transplantation is a complicated journey, from finding the right fit to going through pre-and post-operative care. The Transplant Counselors specialize in ensuring the best treatment and full support for lung transplants in delhi-Ncr, and liver transplants in India. The vision of the Transplant Counselors revolves around serving accessible healthcare with attention, care and dedication. Our partnerships with leading organizations and teams of expert physicians and researchers set us apart. Our expertise extends to bone marrow, heart, and hair transplants, making it a viable solution for transplant needs. The Transplant Counselors has become synonymous with successful organ transplantation in the Indian sub-continental region.

Source Url : https://transplantcounsellor.com/blog/organ-transplants-made-hassle-free

[transplants-india]

Hidden Truth of Energy Drinks Leading to Organ Health Risks

Energy drinks are the new fast hit in today’s quick world, but these drinks, containing caffeine, lots of sugar, and stimulants that can pile up the dose on vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and heart, have severe long-term health risks. Although giving an excellent temporary energy boost, the overall effects on critical organs result in serious medical challenges, often through complex treatments, including transplants.

NGOs play a significant role in assisting financially deprived patients needing life-giving transplantation of the heart, liver, or kidney if they suffer from lifestyle-related organ failure. It’s time we understand the consequences of energy drinks for vital organs and raise awareness about these silent health threats.

Since the liver is an organ in detoxification, it is also highly exposed to the high sugar and stimulant compositions in energy drinks. In the process of detoxifying energy drinks, the liver becomes loaded with caffeine and niacin, which overburden the functions of this organ; these can result in severe conditions, such as Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), over time.

This connection is also increasingly recognised in medical science. For example, a case report in BMJ Case Reports reported a 50-year-old man who, after three weeks, consumed four to five energy drinks per day and experienced acute hepatitis. The research explains that the chronic consumption of high-energy drinks causes toxic liver damage, commonly being treated with aggressive treatment and, at worst, a liver transplant.

Such risks can be accessed by the people so that they make the right choice. Those individuals who suffer through some complications related to the liver, which are a result of lifestyle, may eventually require help with any treatment or, if required, a liver transplant, which is highly costly and physically straining.

The kidneys also help flush out toxins in the body, so they are highly susceptible to the high sugar levels in most energy drinks. Sugar intake can lead to kidney strain and chronic kidney disease (CKD). A published study on PLOS ONE demonstrates the impact of sugary drinks on renal function. In this study, high-sugar beverages, such as energy drinks, significantly increased albuminuria, symbolising kidney damage.

The risks are more severe for those who consume more than one energy drink daily since the kidneys must work overtime to filter excess sugar and caffeine. Prolonged stress can lead to acute kidney injury, a temporary but severe decline in kidney function that may advance to CKD. There is a growing need for financial support for kidney transplant recipients, especially in areas where health care is scarce.

Energy drinks are predominantly high in caffeine and impose additional stress on the cardiovascular system. When the stimulatory agents taurine and guarana are incorporated with caffeine into energy drinks, increased blood pressure, arrhythmias, or risk factors for cardiovascular events have been documented to be associated. A case report in BMJ Case Reports, referring to a 28-year-old man with seizures and more severe symptoms post-consumption of vast amounts of energy drinks, indicated the cardiovascular risks of such beverages.

Habitual consumption of energy drinks, particularly in high doses, can cause heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure, and other increased threats towards heart disease. This affects people with lifestyle-induced issues in the heart, and finding proper care requires financing for people requiring heart transplants and other highly advanced treatments.

Understanding the health risks of energy drinks would offer a firm start towards better health. Healthy choices include natural hydrating beverages, balanced nutrition, and quality sleep for sustainable energy without risking organ health. Public health education is needed to counsel people about the potential harm of regular consumption of energy drinks to reduce the need for organ transplants.

For those already with organ health problems, NGOs like Transplant India act as a safeguard. Through finances, Transplant India ensures that impoverished patients get needed life-saving transplants on their livers, kidneys, and hearts. In this sense, this organisation connects people with funds, which is vital in giving patients another chance at life.

An energy source from energy drinks may be innocuous, yet the long-term effects on vital organs are no joke. There is extensive evidence of an association between energy drink consumption and various conditions affecting the livers, kidneys, and cardiovascular conditions, making the issue discussed as vital as ever. Understanding the effects of caffeine on health and the high sugar intake health risks is essential, as both play a significant role in organ health. Recognising these risks can help prevent severe complications.

Transplant India caters to the needs of those who require organ transplantation because of their lifestyle. Because of that, it brings hope to patients who cannot support themselves financially and cause help. By enabling patients and equipping them with the resources, we can assist in ensuring the people requiring an organ transplant get the appropriate medical care to restore the quality of their lives.