liver transplantation
IL28B gene predicts treatment outcome for liver transplantation patients
German researchers have found a significant association of IL28B genotypes to interferon-based antiviral treatment outcome, and to graft inflammation caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). The study determined that the presence of G-allele serves as a m…
Obese children experience later mortality post liver transplantation
A new study from the University of Washington reported obese children are at increased mortality risk in later years following primary liver transplantation (LT). Pediatric patients who are thin or severely thin, experience an early mortality risk -…
First clinical trials successfully completed on potent new hepatitis C drug
The first clinical trials on a new investigational drug being developed to treat infections caused by Hepatitis C virus have been successfully completed.
Completion of the initial phase (phase 1a) of trials of INX-189, discovered and first prepare…
Hispanics and Asians less likely to receive liver transplants
Researchers at the University of Michigan and Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, both in Ann Arbor, have identified geographic variation as a key factor accounting for disparities in access to liver transplantation among racial and ethnic grou…
Study identifies factors which predict alcohol use after liver transplantation
Patients who receive a liver transplant due to alcoholic liver disease need to demonstrate periods of abstinence and often attend addiction treatment before transplantation. However, alcohol use disorders can recur, as can other diseases requiring t…
Discovery May Dramatically Reduce Liver Transplants in Children
A discovery published in the current issue of The Lancet may lead to new treatments for a deadly liver disease of infancy — dramatically reducing the number of liver transplants in children. A team of researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital have revealed a genetic underpinning to biliary atresia, the most common reason for liver transplant in children. Biliary atresia occurs in infants and usually becomes evident two to eight weeks after birth. Its cause has been unknown. Symptoms include unexplained jaundice, dark urine, clay-colored stools and weight loss. The disease destroys bile ducts in the liver, trapping bile, rapidly causing damage to liver cells and severe scarring.