Nov 13
Just found this out today, but apparently four patients received organ transplants from an Hepatitis C and HIV positive donor. See this link for an article that ran in the Chicago Sun-Times. One transplant occurred at each of the three university medical centers. I can’t remember where the fourth transplant occurred.
According to the article, the questionnare the donor filled out said that there was engagement in high-risk behavior. However, the screening tests for HIV and Hepatitis were negative, so the institutions proceeded with the transplants.
Talk about shitty.
November 14th, 2007 at 12:37 am
dang that definitely sucks. i’m not sure what my feeling would be about that as a patient. it’s just unfortunate that the screening tests were negative.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:27 am
Yeah, it does suck. Personally, the donor answered yes to having high-risk behavior on the questionnare, but the screening tests were negative for HIV and Hepatitis. I’m not sure I would go ahead with the transplant knowing what I know.
There is a window period when you’re infected with any virus before your body’s plasma cells can produce antibodies for that particular virus. In the case of HIV, your body may begin producing antibodies within a few days after exposure, BUT the level of antibodies aren’t detectable until after several weeks.
I guess the physician really has to weigh out the risk of the patient not having the organ or possibly getting HIV and/or Hepatitis from a transplant. I’m sure all of theses factors makes it a difficult decision.
But, on the flip side, the patient is told all the risks of the procedure including infection, rejection, and death.
I think now after reflecting on this for a bit that it just goes to show everyone we need to develop more sensitive tests and methods to screen for these diseases.
That’s just my two cents, though.