New Rule Allows HIV-Positive Individuals to Receive Organs from Donors with HIV
Breaking Down Barriers to Organ Transplants
People with HIV who need a kidney or liver transplant will now be able to receive an organ from a donor with HIV under a new rule announced by U.S. health officials. This change, which takes effect on Wednesday, is expected to increase the pool of available organs and shorten the wait time for all, regardless of HIV status.
Removing Unnecessary Barriers
The new rule removes barriers that previously limited the use of organs from HIV-positive donors to research studies only. This change is expected to improve outcomes for transplant recipients with HIV, according to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Research Supports Safety
The safety of using organs from HIV-positive donors is supported by research, including a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study followed 198 organ recipients for up to four years, comparing those who received kidneys from HIV-positive donors to those whose kidneys came from donors without HIV. Both groups had similar high rates of overall survival and low rates of organ rejection.
A Growing Trend
In 2010, surgeons in South Africa provided the first evidence that using HIV-positive donor organs was safe in people with HIV. The practice was initially allowed in the United States in 2013, when the government lifted a ban and allowed research studies to proceed. Since then, 500 transplants of kidneys and livers from HIV-positive donors have been performed in the U.S.
The Future of Organ Transplants
The new rule is expected to increase the number of available organs and improve outcomes for transplant recipients with HIV. As the demand for organs continues to outpace the supply, this change is a step in the right direction. With the safety of the practice supported by research, more individuals with HIV will have access to life-saving transplants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the new rule?
A: The new rule allows people with HIV to receive organs from donors with HIV, removing barriers that previously limited the use of these organs to research studies.
Q: Why was the rule changed?
A: The rule was changed to increase the pool of available organs and improve outcomes for transplant recipients with HIV.
Q: Is the use of HIV-positive donor organs safe?
A: Yes, research supports the safety of using organs from HIV-positive donors, with similar rates of overall survival and low rates of organ rejection compared to organs from donors without HIV.
Q: How many transplants have been performed using HIV-positive donor organs?
A: Over 500 transplants of kidneys and livers from HIV-positive donors have been performed in the U.S. since the practice was allowed in 2013.
