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Staggering Death Rate After Liver Transplants

by Monisha on Dec 30 2006 3:37 PM

University Hospital centre affiliated to University of Southern California began its liver transplant program about a decade ago. When its program was first started it had a high rate of success. Sadly, since the past 3 years its reputation has been marred with alarmingly high rates of death. Infact it has the highest death rates following liver transplants, in the U.S, presently.

In the past 30 months there has been a spate of deaths in liver transplant patients within a year of transplantion. 38 deaths have been reported out of the 164 patients who underwent surgery for liver transplantation in the past 2 1/2 years, shows data. This was alarming as it is more than double the expected number.

Investigating officials have quoted that there could be umpteen reasons that contribute to these deaths. Investigations point out the following reasons as the possible causes for the demise of patients. The hospital centre generally select high risk patients, so that there are not left without one more chance to live. Observes comment that this is a risky procedure. Sub standard quality in transplanted liver, also can prove fatal. Badly handled surgeries and improper after care following surgery also increase risk of fatalities.

Source-Medindia
MST


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