UNOS News at Transplant Living

Here is the latest newsletter from Transplant Living--a division of UNOS (United Network of Organ Sharing). It has some great info in it, so please take some time to read through.
Thanks!

ScottW

Transplant immunosuppressant drugs to remain a Medicare Part D benefit > CMS announced that it would retain the existing “protected class” status for immunosuppressant medications available as a benefit under Medicare Part D coverage. Average Daily Organ Placement On The Rise > During April, staff of the UNOS Organ Center helped the transplant community place an average of 38.5 organs per day—an all-time monthly record.. OPTN/UNOS leadership briefs Congressional staff members on key policy issues > On May 21, UNOS Chief Executive Officer Brian Shepard and chairs of three OPTN/UNOS committees briefed staff members of the Congress of the United States on policy issues under discussion or implementation. Infections and immunity > There are three general time frames during which infection can occur in the post-transplant period: first month, second through sixth month, and after the sixth month. Urine test improves detection of alcohol use in liver transplant patients > When used together, urinary ethyl glucuronide (uEtG) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for alcohol consumption (AUDIT-c) improve the detection of alcohol consumption in liver transplant candidates and recipients, according to a recent study. Transplant immunosuppressant sirolimus may reduce HIV persistence > HIV persistence is reduced in association with immunosuppressants, especially sirolimus, used after kidney transplantation, according to results from the Solid Organ Transplantation in HIV: Multi-Site Study.

Vidant Transplant Support Group Greenville, NC June 23, 2014 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.