Transplantation Technologies & Research

Organ donation is a critical issue in healthcare, with the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life for many individuals. In Poland, as in many other countries, organ donation rates are often lower than desired. Understanding the views of medical students, who will be future healthcare professionals, is crucial for improving organ donation rates and ensuring ethical and effective practices. This article explores the views of Polish medical students on organ donation in cases of brain death, highlighting their perspectives, concerns, and recommendations for increasing organ donation rates.

The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex community of microorganisms known as the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in maintaining health and regulating various physiological processes. Recent research has highlighted the importance of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and progression of pancreatic diseases, including pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT), a procedure that involves transferring fecal material from a healthy donor to a recipient, has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for modulating the gut microbiota and treating pancreatic diseases. This article explores the role of the gut microbiota in pancreatic diseases and the potential applications of FMT in their management.

Advanced Heart Failure (HF) is a complex and challenging condition that often requires advanced treatment options, such as heart transplantation or long-term Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs). These interventions can significantly improve the quality of life and survival of patients with end-stage HF. However, they also come with unique considerations and challenges that must be carefully addressed to ensure optimal outcomes. This article explores the particular aspects that healthcare providers should take into account when considering heart transplantation and long-term LVAD therapy for patients with advanced HF. Immunosuppression: Following transplantation, patients require lifelong immunosuppressive therapy to prevent organ rejection. Managing immunosuppression is challenging due to the risk of infections, malignancies, and medication side effects.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects millions of people worldwide and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In some cases, the underlying cause of CKD, known as nephropathy, is unknown, presenting a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. However, recent advances in genetic screening techniques have shed light on the genetic factors that contribute to kidney disease, offering new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of CKD, particularly in the context of kidney transplantation. In this article, we explore the role of genetic screening in patients with unknown nephropathy and its implications for kidney transplantation.