Ethical Issues in Pediatric VCA
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThere is growing interest in offering vascularized composite allografts (VCAs) to children, particularly upper extremity and face transplants. This review identifies ethical issues that must be addressed as VCA programs consider including more children and adolescents.Recent FindingsThe primary ethical concern in pediatric VCA is that the potential benefits might not justify the risks. Other issues involve eligibility criteria, informed permission and assent, authorizing donations and procuring VCAs, donor and recipient privacy and confidentiality, oversight and evaluation of transplants, and cost-...
Source: Current Transplantation Reports - October 6, 2017 Category: Transplant Surgery Source Type: research
Harnessing Apoptotic Cells for Transplantation Tolerance: Current Status and Future Perspectives
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe use of donor apoptotic cells is an emerging therapy for inducing transplantation tolerance. In this review, we will discuss current understanding of mechanisms of this approach, as well as crucial aspects necessary for successful translation of this approach to clinical transplantation.Recent FindingsTransplantation tolerance by donor apoptotic cells is mediated by their homeostatic interaction with recipient phagocytes and subsequent expansion of suppressor cell populations as well as inhibition of effector T cells via deletion and anergy. To ensure their tolerogenicity, it is critical to proc...
Source: Current Transplantation Reports - October 6, 2017 Category: Transplant Surgery Source Type: research
Treating the Donor: Strategies to Prolong VCA Preservation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this review, we summarized the latest advances in vascularized composite allografts (VCAs) preservation along with future directions to improve graft viability before transplantation.Recent FindingsAt present, VCAs are preserved using static cold storage methods prior to transplantation. This approach ensures reasonable viability up to 6 h. Beyond this time, ischemia and reperfusion result in substantial graft dysfunction. Ex situ VCA perfusion can potentially improve the graft survival and function and can help spread the procurement to a larger geographic area.SummaryNew strategies to minimi...
Source: Current Transplantation Reports - October 4, 2017 Category: Transplant Surgery Source Type: research
Erratum to: Gene Editing, Gene Therapy, and Cell Xenotransplantation: Cell Transplantation Across Species
(Source: Current Transplantation Reports)
Source: Current Transplantation Reports - August 26, 2017 Category: Transplant Surgery Source Type: research
The Approach to Antibodies After Heart Transplantation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarizes recent data about antibodies after cardiac transplantation, what testing modalities are available and how frequently to employ them, and when treatment is necessary.Recent FindingsTechnologies available for antibody detection have progressed over the past couple decades. New and preformed antibodies are associated with worse outcomes in transplant recipients.SummaryThe frequency of screening for post-transplant antibodies and for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) should be based on risk stratification. The presence of antibodies alone post transplant does not constitute a dia...
Source: Current Transplantation Reports - August 11, 2017 Category: Transplant Surgery Source Type: research
