An Alabama woman who made medical history by living with a pig kidney for a record 130 days had the organ removed after her body began rejecting it. Towana Looney, from Gadsden, Alabama, is now back on dialysis following the disappointing outcome of the xenotransplant procedure.
Looney underwent the experimental pig kidney transplant at NYU Langone Health on November 25. Despite the setback, she expressed gratitude for being part of the groundbreaking research. She emphasized the importance of the experience in advancing the understanding of xenotransplantation and its potential to help others with kidney disease.
The use of pig organs in transplants is being explored as a solution to the shortage of human organs available for transplant. With over 100,000 people on the U.S. transplant waiting list, the need for alternative options is urgent. Previous attempts at xenotransplantation in severely ill patients resulted in limited success, with recipients surviving no longer than two months.
Researchers are now focusing on slightly less sick patients, like Looney, in an effort to improve the outcomes of pig organ transplants. A New Hampshire man who received a pig kidney in January is reportedly doing well, and a comprehensive study on pig kidney transplants is scheduled to start later this year. Additionally, Chinese researchers have reported a successful kidney xenotransplant, showing promising advancements in the field.
Looney, who had been on dialysis since 2016 and was not eligible for a traditional human kidney transplant due to rejection issues, opted for the experimental pig kidney. While the pig organ initially functioned well, her body eventually began rejecting it in early April. Dr. Robert Montgomery, Looney’s surgeon, explained that the decision to remove the kidney was made to avoid further risks associated with trying to save it with higher doses of anti-rejection drugs.
Rejection is a common challenge in all types of organ transplants, including xenotransplantation. Balancing the suppression of the immune system to prevent rejection while allowing the body to fight infections is crucial. The use of immune-suppressing drugs in xenotransplantation adds another layer of complexity, with the optimal drug combinations still being studied.
Despite the setback, Looney’s experience provides valuable insights for future xenotransplant procedures. Dr. Montgomery emphasized the importance of incremental progress in making xenotransplantation a viable option for patients in need of organ transplants. The ongoing research and clinical trials in the field hold promise for improving the success rates of pig organ transplants and addressing the critical shortage of transplantable organs. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to overlook the importance of self-care. With so many responsibilities and obligations pulling us in different directions, taking time for ourselves often falls to the wayside. However, self-care is crucial for maintaining our overall well-being and mental health.
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