#Organ Transplantation

[quotesfrommyreading]

The ongoing war in Sudan and the ensuing humanitarian crisis has pushed people to the brink. At the borders of conflict zones, selling a kidney is becoming a currency of last resort for people seeking refuge. In June 2023, I managed to contact two young Sudanese women who had fled the fighting in Khartoum. In April 2023, Rania was with her friend Fatima, both students at the University of Khartoum, when the RSF raided the main campus, on the banks of the Nile. “We were trying to hide from the fighting,” Rania told me on the phone. “There were a lot of [female] students there who were afraid to leave. We thought we would be safe, but they found us and forced us to have sex with them.”

Soon after that they packed up their belongings and took a bus heading towards the border with South Sudan. They had heard the route south was cheaper than trying to go north to Egypt, and Rania had a brother living in Kampala, Uganda, whom they hoped to join. It was a seven-day journey from Khartoum to Renk, a small town in South Sudan close to the border where thousands of people had set up temporary camps in bleak conditions. A lack of food, water, healthcare and sanitation had left people at increased risk of disease, malnutrition and violence. There were hundreds of new arrivals each day. “People are crammed together under tarpaulins,” Rania said. “There are mosquitoes everywhere. There’s not enough food, water, soap. Everyone is desperate for assistance. It’s chaos.”

When Rania and Fatima arrived at a makeshift camp on the outskirts of the town, they were approached by soldiers in plain clothes selling tickets for flights from a small airstrip outside Renk to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, and the city of Nimule. The flights, which should form part of the humanitarian corridor, are being controlled by armed militias charging exorbitant fees to board them. “They wanted a lot of money,” Rania said. “The price would go up every day. They said if we didn’t have any money we could have sex with them.”

When they refused, they were told there was something else they could sell: a kidney. “They said that this was the only way we were going to get a flight out of here,” Fatima said. “There were two men who had agreed to this [selling a kidney], but I don’t know what happened to them. I was worried that they would kill me and take my kidney.”

Two weeks after Rania and Fatima first arrived in Renk, they messaged me from Kampala. “We received some money from family members in Uganda. They paid a smuggler $500 to take us to Kampala.” Raina said. “There were no humanitarian agencies or government officials transporting people. The drivers, the militias, they are exploiting people every step of the journey.”

In Renk, they had watched as large trucks carried hundreds of people further south to transit camps that were rumoured to be less crowded and better resourced. Others boarded cramped and overcrowded boats down the Nile to the city of Malakal, from which they would attempt to reach Juba, 970km to the south. Each stage of the journey would come at a cost.

“We are telling you this for a reason,” Fatima said. “We desperately need more support for people trapped in Sudan. In Darfur, there is genocide. But no one is talking about it. Women are being raped every day. Children have been killed and abducted. People are desperate. This is when you sell your kidney.”

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

[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.

[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."

"Is stuff like this how you do it?" he asked.

She shook her head. "I made friends with the Order of St. Hubertus."

She declined to elaborate on that.

[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.

[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.

[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/

[surgtechintraining]

I'm thinking about a master's degree in transplant sciences and shit like this is why. It's so fucking fascinating!!!

[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

[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

[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

[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

[pavithra313313]

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.

[transplantcounseller]

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

[tom-isaacs]

The Body is a Big Place - Helen Pynor and Peta Clancy

"The Body is a Big Place is a large-scale, immersive installation developed through collaboration between artists and scientists. The work explores organ transplantation and the ambiguous thresholds between life and death, revealing the process of death as an extended durational process, rather than an event that occurs in a single moment in time. The work’s title refers to the capacity for parts of the body to traverse vast geographic, temporal and interpersonal distances during organ transplantation processes. As part of the installation a fully functioning heart perfusion system was used to reanimate to a beating state a pair of fresh pig hearts during 2 live performances. Rather than sensationalising these events, the artists sought to encourage empathic responses from viewers, opening up the possibility of a deeper awareness of viewers’ own interiors. Performers in the work’s projected underwater video sequences were members of the organ transplant community in Melbourne, individuals who have traversed extraordinary experiences in the form of receiving, donating, or standing closely by loved ones as they received or posthumously donated human organs." (source)

[transplants-india]

How Does Transplants India Provide a Lifeline to the Needy

Transplants India is the ray of hope that a lot of patients are looking for when faced with the challenge of an organ transplant, and often, the wallet needs to be thick enough to afford one. The mission of the organisation has been to provide financial aid to the economically challenged who are in dire need of lifesaving organ transplants. Whereas the shortage of organ donors remains a cause of concern, the economic costs involved in transplantation are no less depressing. Transplants India addresses this dual challenge of making donors accessible to needy people and funds for transplants.

Providing a Lifeline Without Financial Constraints

Another distinguishing feature of Transplants India is its commitment to providing financial aid to those who cannot afford organ transplants. Many patients get live organ donors but are unable to go ahead with the transplant due to their inability to afford it. This happens frequently in the economically weaker sections of society, which often get financially challenged in this endeavour to save their loved ones. Transplants India bridges this financial gap and gives hope and a chance at life to those who would otherwise be left helpless.

Empowering the Economically Challenged

Affording an organ transplant is expensive. Patients who cannot secure finances mostly die because their health will continue deteriorating without a transplant. It not only financially drains the patients but devastates their families, rendering them in further poverty and despair. This overall critical issue is recognised by Transplants India, which is working tirelessly to make sure that no financial barriers come in the way of lifesaving medical procedures.

The Power of Your Donations

Transplants India relies upon generous donations to continue its great work. Any donation of funds can make an enormous difference in the life of someone who may be suffering from any life-threatening illness. Contributions enable patients to afford themselves health and happiness. All donations made to Transplants India are 80G compliant. Hence, tax-deductible and secure organisations appeal to one and all for donations and support to the cause to give many, many a second chance at life.

The Life-Saving Impact of Organ Donation

Besides monetary donations, organ donation is the area of work that is emphasised at Transplants India. One person can save up to eight lives by becoming an organ donor. Organ donation helps people make a significant contribution to society and creates a difference that can be remembered. Transplants India provides those interested in pledging organs with the proper resources and support to put a culture of gifting and saving lives into action and impacting Social Responsibility (CSR) Tie-ups.

Corporate Social Responsibility Saving Lives

Transplants India also seeks support from corporations through its CSR activities. An association with Transplants India will make these corporate houses vital in bringing financial support to people who are in dire need of organ transplant operations. Such associations save lives, enhance the corporate image, and discharge social responsibility. Participating in the noble cause of Transplants India facilitates these corporate houses to have a mark in society through an illustrious gesture of CSR participation.

Conclusion

Transplants India has been the epitome of gesture, compassion, and community support. Giving many people hope for life, and a chance to live a new life by helping them with financial constraints related to organ transplantation, donations, organ pledging, and CSR collaborations continue to bring about wide-ranging differences and make sure that in the very near future, financial constraints will not be the ones deciding the fate of those in need of lifesaving transplants.

[drforambhuta]

Innovative Approaches in Regenerative Medicine:

As the field of regenerative medicine progresses, researchers are exploring novel technologies and strategies to advance tissue regeneration and functional recovery. Among these innovations is 3D bioprinting, a technique that allows precise placement of cells, biomaterials, and bioactive substances to construct intricate, hierarchical structures resembling natural tissues and organs. Through the utilization of 3D bioprinting, scientists can produce personalized tissue constructs with meticulous spatial organization and vascularization, addressing the limitations of conventional tissue engineering methods. This innovation holds significant promise across various applications, including organ transplantation, tissue replacement, drug screening, and disease modeling. Additionally, breakthroughs in organoid culture and organ-on-a-chip systems are transforming our ability to replicate human physiology and disease in laboratory settings, offering novel platforms for drug discovery, toxicity testing, and personalized medicine. These miniature organ models faithfully mimic the structure and function of native tissues and organs, providing valuable insights into disease mechanisms and facilitating the development of targeted therapies.

Challenges and Considerations:

Despite the impressive advancements in regenerative medicine, numerous challenges and considerations must be addressed to fully realize its clinical potential. Standardizing protocols for cell production, quality assurance, and scaling up manufacturing to meet clinical demands remains a significant hurdle. Furthermore, navigating regulatory and ethical issues related to the use of stem cells and tissue-engineered products in clinical settings is crucial to ensuring patient safety and upholding ethical standards. Long-term safety and efficacy studies are also imperative to evaluate the sustainability of regenerative therapies over time.

Role of Comprehensive Health Assessments in Regenerative Medicine:

Comprehensive health assessments play a pivotal role in the realm of regenerative medicine, serving as a foundation for patient evaluation, treatment planning, and monitoring of therapeutic outcomes. These assessments encompass a holistic evaluation of an individual's health, including medical history, physical exams, diagnostic tests, imaging studies, and biomarker analyses. By conducting thorough assessments of organ function, tissue integrity, and overall physiological well-being, healthcare providers can identify underlying health conditions, risk factors, and potential contraindications for regenerative therapies. This allows for the customization of treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each patient, optimizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing risks. Furthermore, regular monitoring of patients undergoing regenerative therapies through comprehensive health assessments enables healthcare providers to evaluate treatment efficacy, safety, and long-term durability. By tracking changes in clinical parameters, biomarkers, and imaging results, healthcare providers can assess treatment response, detect adverse effects or complications, and modify treatment strategies as necessary to enhance patient outcomes.

There are many good hospitals in India that offer health checkup packages for undergoing a regular full body health checkup that play an important role in regenerative medicine.