All articles tagged with #liver transplant
A warm, wet winter has triggered a spike in death-cap mushroom poisonings in California, with at least four deaths and three liver transplants reported. Officials warn these mushrooms closely resemble edible varieties, grow in parks and forests (often under oaks), and can cause rapid, fatal liver injury even from small amounts. Foraging is advised against, and warnings have been issued in multiple languages to reach diverse communities.
A Houston surgeon, Dr. John Stevenson Bynon Jr., was indicted on five counts of false statements in health care matters for allegedly falsifying medical records to render five patients ineligible for liver transplants; among them, three died and two later received livers at other hospitals. The case prompted Memorial Hermann to temporarily shut down its transplant program, which later reactivated; if convicted, he faces up to five years and a $250,000 fine per count.
UCHealth says alcohol-related liver disease now accounts for about 45% of its liver transplants, a pandemic-era rise with women disproportionately affected; doctors stress that early detection and reducing or quitting drinking can reverse some liver damage, highlighted by patient stories and concerns ahead of Dry January and the Super Bowl.
A very wet December spurred a record spread of death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) across California, causing 35 poisonings, including three deaths and three liver transplants, from Nov. 18 to Jan. 6 across multiple counties. Officials warn against foraging for wild mushrooms, noting many cases involve misidentified fungi and readers from diverse language backgrounds. Death cap toxins can cause delayed symptoms and progressive liver damage; if poisoning is suspected, call California Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or dial 911.
A mother undergoes a living donor liver transplant to save her daughter Ruby, who suffers from the rare metabolic condition PMM2-CDG, leading to significant health improvements and highlighting the emotional and medical complexities of such procedures.
Former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar, 61, is hospitalized and undergoing a third procedure to stop internal bleeding caused by an infection, while awaiting a liver transplant and managing Parkinson's Disease.
Bernie Kosar, a Cleveland Browns legend, is battling serious health issues including internal bleeding and liver problems, and is awaiting a liver transplant which has been delayed due to infection. He has undergone multiple surgeries and is seeking support and prayers during this difficult time, while also raising awareness and funds for others facing medical challenges.
Toddler Isaac Calkins, suffering from a rare genetic disorder called OTC deficiency, urgently needs a liver transplant and his family is seeking a living donor to help save his life, as his condition worsens and he faces multiple health challenges.
Chinese surgeons successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig liver into a human patient with liver cancer, marking a significant milestone in xenotransplantation, though the patient died several months later due to complications. The procedure demonstrated that pig organs can temporarily function in humans, offering hope for addressing organ shortages, especially in China where liver disease is prevalent.
A parent inquires if earlier hospital intervention could have saved their son's life, who died from acute-on-chronic liver failure likely related to Wilson's disease, a rare genetic disorder affecting copper metabolism. The doctor explains that earlier diagnosis and management might have prevented the progression, but once acute failure occurred, the prognosis was poor, and a transplant was probably too late.
Alaina Janet, who received a liver transplant as a baby, is moving into her college dorm at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, marking 17 years since her transplant and fulfilling her dream to study nursing in the city where she was treated. Her father donated part of his liver, creating a lifelong bond, and her experience has inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare.
An aunt, Taylor Dearth, selflessly donated part of her liver to save her nephew Crew, a young boy battling stage 4 hepatoblastoma, a rare and aggressive liver cancer. The successful transplant at the Cleveland Clinic marks a significant step in Crew's treatment, highlighting themes of family love, sacrifice, and medical advancement.
Emma Mendelssohn, a 15-year-old from California, was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis and needed a liver transplant after her symptoms, including jaundice and fatigue, worsened. She underwent two transplants due to complications and now manages her condition while raising awareness through social media. Her story highlights the challenges of autoimmune liver disease and the resilience required to cope with life-threatening health issues.
A woman diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer at 33 was initially misdiagnosed due to her age, but after aggressive treatment and a pioneering liver transplant procedure, she is now cancer-free, highlighting the importance of early detection and advocacy in young adults.
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston has suspended its liver and kidney transplant programs after discovering that a doctor had made inappropriate changes to a database for liver transplant patients, rendering them ineligible for new organs. The hospital did not name the doctor, but the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston defended Dr. Steve Bynon, who is contracted to Memorial Hermann. The allegations have raised concerns about fairness, transparency, and accountability in the organ allocation system, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is addressing the matter. The hospital is working to ensure affected patients receive necessary care and is collaborating with UTHealth Houston to reactivate the program under different leadership.