Tag

Immunosuppression

All articles tagged with #immunosuppression

health22 days ago•5 min saved

JC virus can trigger deadly brain disease in chronic kidney disease patients, case study reveals

A case study reports progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) caused by JC virus activation in a 72-year-old patient with stage-5 CKD, suggesting CKD can create noncanonical immunosuppression that predisposes to JC virus–related brain damage. The JC virus is common and usually latent but can reactivate to destroy brain myelin, diagnosed by MRI lesions and JC virus DNA in CSF; the patient died two days after diagnosis, highlighting the seriousness of PML in CKD as CKD prevalence rises.

via Ars Technica|

#chronic-kidney-disease #health #immunosuppression

medicine1 month ago•6 min saved

Living patient bridged by a gene-edited pig liver ahead of human transplant

A 56-year-old man with liver failure was connected to an externally perfused, genetically modified pig liver to keep him alive while awaiting a human liver transplant. The pig organ, engineered with six genetic changes to reduce rejection, functioned as a bridge for a few days; the patient subsequently received a human liver and is recovering. Researchers note the need for more details and that results should be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

via Nature|

#extracorporeal-perfusion #immunosuppression #medicine

health2 months ago•7 min saved

Pioneering pig-kidney recipient receives human kidney, signaling xenotransplant progress

Tim Andrews, one of the first recipients of a genetically modified pig kidney, has now received a human kidney after the pig organ failed, marking a historic step in xenotransplantation and illustrating its potential to address organ shortages and reduce dialysis. Researchers are refining immunosuppressive regimens and planning additional xenotransplants as trials move forward.

via CNN|

#dialysis #health #immunosuppression

health2 months ago•7 min saved

Pioneering pig kidney recipient receives human transplant, marking xenotransplant milestone

Tim Andrews—one of the first recipients of a genetically modified pig kidney—has now received a human kidney, becoming the first in that small group to cross from animal to human organ. The pig kidney lasted 271 days before rejection, after which he returned to dialysis; days later he underwent a near-perfectly matched human kidney transplant. The case highlights xenotransplantation as a potential bridge to address the organ shortage, with ongoing research to refine immunosuppression and improve graft survival and plans for additional trials.

via CNN|

#health #immunosuppression #kidney-transplant

health8 months ago•2 min saved

Gene-Edited Islet Transplants Survive Without Immunosuppression

A groundbreaking trial at Uppsala University Hospital demonstrated that gene-edited donor islet cells can survive in a human with type 1 diabetes for 12 weeks without immunosuppressive drugs, showing promise for a future cure that avoids lifelong immune suppression.

via Medical Xpress|

#crispr #gene-editing #health

health9 months ago•4 min saved

Cytomegalovirus Reactivation Common in COVID-19 Patients

A study indicates that cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is common in COVID-19 ICU patients, especially those on high-dose steroids, and is associated with worse outcomes, suggesting the need for vigilant monitoring and early antiviral intervention.

via CIDRAP|

#antiviral-treatment #cmv-reactivation #covid-19

health2 years ago•1 min saved

"Alaskapox Claims First Victim on Kenai Peninsula"

An elderly man on the Kenai Peninsula died from Alaskapox virus, a type of orthopoxvirus first discovered in 2015 near Fairbanks. The man, who had a history of immunosuppression, experienced a worsening lesion in his armpit, leading to hospitalization and ultimately death. The source of the infection remains unclear, but scratches from a stray cat are being investigated. This marks the first fatal case of Alaskapox outside the Fairbanks area, prompting health officials to raise awareness and expand testing efforts for the virus.

via NewsNation Now|

#alaska #alaskapox-virus #elderly-man

health-medicine2 years ago•3 min saved

"Varied Viral Clearance Times in Immunocompromised COVID Patients: A Study Analysis"

Two new studies reveal that immune-compromised patients, such as those with cancer and HIV, exhibit varying times for clearing the COVID-19 virus, with some at higher risk for persistent infections. The studies found that patients with severe immunosuppression were more likely to have prolonged infections, while those with mild to moderate immunosuppression, including those on B-cell depleting therapy, were able to clear the virus during the acute phase of infection. The research also suggests that immunocompromised patients with persistent viruses may not be a significant source of mutated variants.

via University of Minnesota Twin Cities|

#covid-19 #health-medicine #immune-compromised-patients

health2 years ago•4 min saved

Revolutionary Under-Skin Implant Reverses Type 1 Diabetes Without Drugs

Researchers from Cornell and the University of Alberta have developed a new technique to treat Type 1 diabetes by implanting a device under the skin that can secrete insulin without the need for immunosuppression. The device, named SHEATH (Subcutaneous Host-Enabled Alginate THread), is inserted into a pocket created by nylon catheters, allowing blood vessels to form around it. The device provides a long-term and less invasive alternative to insulin injections or traditional transplants, and future versions may last for two to five years before needing replacement. Additional research is needed to support long-term functionality in large-animal models and eventually patients.

via Cornell Chronicle|

#health #immunosuppression #implant