September 17, 2007

Transplant Transformation

Organ-transplantation is an increasingly feasible option for people living with HIV, thanks to improved antiretroviral therapy and methods to combat opportunistic infections.

Reported in the September 15th issue of Transplantation, criteria for organ transplants in HIV positive people are “slowly being liberalized,” and insurance claims for transplants in HIV positive people are being increasingly accepted by insurers and policy makers. One recent study indicates that the 3-year survival rate for people living with HIV was similar to that of negative patients.

Patients approved for kidney transplantation must have “undetectable” viral loads, with exceptions made for patients suffering from liver damage due to the side effects of medicines prescribed to fight HIV.