PMID: 15387117Sep 25, 2004Paper

Liver and gastrointestinal transplantation at the University of Miami

Clinical Transplants
Gennaro SelvaggiAndreas G Tzakis

Abstract

The field of liver and intestinal transplantation is continuously evolving. At present, we cannot escape the need for long-term immunosuppression. Management of side effects and complications of immunosuppression is difficult, as well as recurrence of viral disease after transplantation. Similar challenges are present in virally induced diseases such as PTLD. The clinical applicability of tolerance inducing protocols in the future will rely more and more on the ability to decrease the total amount of immunosuppression given around the time of transplant. The introduction of induction protocols using Campath 1-H has allowed us to decrease the average dose of calcineurin inhibitors and virtually avoid the use of steroids. We have been able to achieve, at least in the short run, patient and graft survivals similar to historical controls, without any added infectious complication. It has still to be proven whether these short-term results will translate in longterm avoidance of calcineurin inhibitors nephrotoxicity and steroid-related diabetes, osteoporosis and so forth. We continue to pursue an active program of intestinal and combined liver-intestinal or multivisceral transplantation, with survival rates constantly improving. The...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.