Related Experiment Videos
Organ transplantation in Taiwan
1Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Republic of China.
Artificial Organs
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Taiwan achieved significant milestones in organ transplantation, including the first kidney transplant in 1968. Donor-specific DNA and chimerism were detected in long-term survivors, highlighting advancements in transplant care and the ongoing challenge of organ procurement.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation Medicine
- Immunology
- Organ Procurement
Background:
- Taiwan performed its first successful kidney transplant in 1968, marking a significant advancement in the region.
- Subsequent successful transplants include liver (1984) and heart (1987), establishing Taiwan as a leader in Asia.
- Organ transplantation has become increasingly successful in treating end-stage organ failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze individual organ transplantation outcomes in Taiwan.
- To review organ transplant recipient and graft survival rates.
- To identify challenges and solutions in organ transplantation care.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of individual organ transplantation data, including recipient and graft survival.
- Detection of donor-specific DNA in peripheral blood using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with sequence-specific primers.
- Investigation of chimerism in lymph nodes and skin of transplant recipients.
Main Results:
- The longest-surviving patient in the series lived for 26 years post-transplant.
- Donor-specific DNA was detected in the peripheral blood of the long-term survivor.
- Chimerism was identified in the lymph nodes and skin of a patient 3 years after cadaveric renal transplantation.
Conclusions:
- Organ transplantation in Taiwan has shown remarkable success, with long-term survival and evidence of donor-specific DNA and chimerism.
- Organ procurement remains a critical challenge, necessitating efforts to establish a central network and improve organ availability.
- Continued efforts in coordination, education, and preservation are vital to enhance organ transplantation services.