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New Transplant Blog Posts

Posted by Kristin Eggebraaten @keggebraaten, Feb 21, 2017

Hello everyone,
We hope this finds everyone well today! We have started this discussion today to announce a new blog post. Every week, we will reply to this discussion to let you know when something new is published. Watch for new information often!

Have a productive and enjoyable week!
- Kristin

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.

Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Oct 22, 2021
In reply to @john1492 "In a First, Surgeons Attached a Pig Kidney to a Human — and It Worked A..." + (show)
@john1492

In a First, Surgeons Attached a Pig Kidney to a Human — and It Worked

A kidney grown in a genetically altered pig seemed to function normally, potentially a new source for desperately needed transplant organs.
Dr. Robert Montgomery is director of the N.Y.U. Langone Transplant Institute in Manhattan. Genetically engineered pigs “could potentially be a sustainable, renewable source of organs,” he said.

By Roni Caryn Rabin , New York Times
Published Oct. 19, 2021Updated Oct. 20, 2021, 6:19 a.m. ET

Surgeons in New York have successfully attached a kidney grown in a genetically altered pig to a human patient and found that the organ worked normally, a scientific breakthrough that one day may yield a vast new supply of organs for severely ill patients.

Although many questions remain to be answered about the long-term consequences of the transplant, which involved a brain-dead patient followed only for 54 hours, experts in the field said the procedure represented a milestone.

“We need to know more about the longevity of the organ,” said Dr. Dorry Segev, professor of transplant surgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine who was not involved in the research. Nevertheless, he said: “This is a huge breakthrough. It’s a big, big deal.”

Researchers have long sought to grow organs in pigs suitable for transplantation into humans. A steady stream of organs — which could eventually include hearts, lungs and livers — would offer a lifeline to the more than 100,000 Americans currently on transplant waiting lists, including the 90,240 who need a kidney. Twelve people on the waiting lists die each day.

An even larger number of Americans with kidney failure — more than a half million — depend on grueling dialysis treatments to survive. In large part because of the scarcity of human organs, the vast majority of dialysis patients do not qualify for transplants, which are reserved for those most likely to thrive after the procedure.

The surgery, carried out at N.Y.U. Langone Health, was first reported by USA Today on Tuesday. The research has not yet been peer-reviewed nor published in a medical journal.

Last year, 39,717 residents of the United States received an organ transplant, the majority of them — 23,401 — receiving kidneys, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing, a nonprofit that coordinates the nation’s organ procurement efforts.

Genetically engineered pigs “could potentially be a sustainable, renewable source of organs — the solar and wind of organ availability,” Dr. Montgomery said.

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It is exciting when we get to witness science happening in our lives! I am certain that you have seen a lot of advances with kidney transplantation since your own transplant in 2000. Here is a new Transplant discussion that I want to share with you.
Breakthrough on kidney transplant from pig to human.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/breakthrough-on-kidney-transplant-from-pig-to-human/

@john1492, I am going to tag you to this discussion to read what others have to say about this topic. Please join in that discussion with some of the advances that you have witnessed.

REPLY
Kristin Eggebraaten | @keggebraaten | Oct 29, 2021

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is ready for all the Halloween fun this weekend! Since we don't have small children at home anymore, my husband and I are going to get flu shots this weekend! I am sure he's thrilled, but it's necessary to protect us and our families against viruses that spread more in the winter months here in Minnesota.

Today our blog is about just that - the flu vaccine. If you haven't already done so, check with your providers about getting a flu (and COVID) vaccine for the coming winter months. We want everyone to enjoy the holidays and stay healthy while doing so!

Share our blog today with family and friends! Have a wonderful Halloween weekend!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/avoiding-the-flu-time-for-vaccination/

REPLY
1 reply
estrada53 | @estrada53 | Oct 29, 2021
In reply to @keggebraaten "Hello everyone! I hope everyone is ready for all the Halloween fun this weekend! Since we..." + (show)
@keggebraaten

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is ready for all the Halloween fun this weekend! Since we don't have small children at home anymore, my husband and I are going to get flu shots this weekend! I am sure he's thrilled, but it's necessary to protect us and our families against viruses that spread more in the winter months here in Minnesota.

Today our blog is about just that - the flu vaccine. If you haven't already done so, check with your providers about getting a flu (and COVID) vaccine for the coming winter months. We want everyone to enjoy the holidays and stay healthy while doing so!

Share our blog today with family and friends! Have a wonderful Halloween weekend!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/avoiding-the-flu-time-for-vaccination/

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I'm scheduled for tomorrow too!

REPLY
Kristin Eggebraaten | @keggebraaten | Dec 10, 2021

Hello everyone! It's a snowy day in Minnesota today, with Rochester expecting between 8-16 inches! Isn't it funny how the range can be so wide, but we accept it because that's the way it's always been with snow.

Today we have published a new blog post! This post is one that could be shared with all of your family and friends who may be interested in kidney donation. We provide a great overview of the facts along with links to learn more. Share as much as you wish!

Happy Holidays from your Transplant Blog Team!
-Kristin
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/consider-living-kidney-donation/

REPLY
Kristin Eggebraaten | @keggebraaten | Dec 17, 2021

Hello everyone, Todays blog post will teach us all some details about pancreas transplant. It's not common, but it's a great option for some patients with hard-to-control diabetes. Have a wonderful holiday!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/pancreas-transplant-a-possible-option-for-patients-with-diabetes/

REPLY
Kristin Eggebraaten | @keggebraaten | Jan 7, 2022

Today's blog post is introducing you to one of our fantastic surgeons! Since coming to Mayo Clinic, Dr. Diwan has been instrumental in developing our Metabolic Kidney Transplant program, giving patients with weight problems an option for kidney transplant. He's an interesting man as well - how many surgeons do you know that are the best in their field AND own goats?
Stay safe everyone!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/meet-the-expert-dr-tayyab-diwan/

REPLY
Kristin Eggebraaten | @keggebraaten | Feb 18, 2022

Hi everyone!
Today's blog post is about Dr. Kelly Pennington. Dr. Pennington is new to Mayo, but not new to lung disease and transplant. Her beautiful personality and her bedside manner is loved by all our lung transplant patients. Learn more about her on our new blog today! Have a wonderful weekend!

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/meet-the-expert-dr-kelly-pennington/
REPLY
Kristin Eggebraaten | @keggebraaten | Mar 21, 2022

Hi all,
Today's blog post is about clinical research. If you have ever been to a large medical institution, you've likely encountered someone who has spoken with you about research participation. Research is a critical part of being able to provide new and better treatment to patients, so participation is important. It's also a personal choice that requires thoughtful consideration. Read more in our blog today about research and the process to decide if participation is right for you.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/transplant-research-should-i-consider-participating/

REPLY
Kristin Eggebraaten | @keggebraaten | Apr 22, 2022

Hi everyone! It's a cold and rainy day in Minnesota today, and North Dakota is getting another foot of snow. Is it spring yet?? What better way to pass the time than reading blogs! Have you read the recent blog posts on our Connect Newsfeed page? You should check them out for some great transplant information for you and to share with your family and friends. Today's blog post is about Living Donors. In April, we focus on deceased donation for Donate Life month, but our living donors are equally as loved and appreciated. Learn more about living donation today and share your knowledge with others!
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/transplant-center/living-donor-transplantation/gnc-20203911

REPLY
Kristin Eggebraaten | @keggebraaten | May 20, 2022

Happy Friday!
Our blog post today talks about when to seek care for kidney transplant. There are many answers to this questions based on your own personal experience. But our physicians weigh in to let you know when is the optimal time to seek out a transplant center and establish that connection. When did you seek care for your organ failure? Did you feel like it was the right decision for you?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/optimal-time-to-seek-kidney-care-for-kidney-transplant/

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