Transplant immunology
Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
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Related Terms:
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A blood type, AB blood type, allogeneic organ transplant, antibody, antigen, autogenous organ transplant, B blood type, blood group, blood typing, cadaveric organ transplant, cross matching, donated organ, donor, graft-versus-host disease, GVHD, histocompatibility, histocompatibility test, HLA, human leukocyte antigens, host-versus graft disease, immunosuppressants, infections, O blood type, organ failure, organ transplant, RH factor, serum, tissue typing, transplant center, transplant recipient, transplantation. |
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Allogeneic organ transplantation is the removal of a whole or partial organ from one person (the donor) to another (the recipient) in order to fix or replace a damaged or failing organ such as a liver, heart, lung, or pancreas. |
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Since the 1950s when organ transplants were first performed, the procedure has continually improved. The long-term success rates for organ transplants vary depending on the specific organ that is transplanted, the number of organs transplanted in a single surgery, and the underlying condition that caused organ failure. In general, researchers estimate that about 80% or more single-organ transplants are successful. Kidney and pancreas transplants are two of the most successful procedures, with five-year survival rates of about 80%. The five-year survival rate for liver transplants is about 73-78%, for heart transplants it is just over 70%, and for lung transplants it is about 45%. Many other organs may also be transplanted, including the cornea, skin, bone, intestines, and bone marrow. |
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The number of patients who need organ transplants far exceeds the number of donated organs that are available. Therefore, organ transplant centers have ranked lists of patients that are based on such factors as the patient's overall health and age. An estimated 3,700 patients are added to the wait list every month and about 18 people on the organ transplant wait list die each day. |
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An autologous transplant, also called an autograft, is when part of an organ or tissue is removed from the patient and then later returned to the same patient. This type of transplant is typically conducted with stem cells from the bone marrow. For instance, chemotherapy destroys both healthy cells and cancer cells. Therefore, patients may have some of their stem cells removed and stored before chemotherapy. After treatment, the patient receives an infusion with these stem cells to help boost the immune system. Since the cells do not come from another person, there is no chance of rejection. |
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Natural Standard Monograph
(www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2009 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or
reproduction prohibited.
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The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes
only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns.
Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical
practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be
interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a
qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies,
diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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