Practical ethical concerns in allocation of pig kidneys to humans.

Clin Kidney J

Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.

Published: December 2022

AI Article Synopsis

  • Recent surgeries have proven that pig organs can be transplanted into humans, addressing the ethical question of xenotransplantation.
  • More research is needed to ensure the safety and long-term efficacy of pig kidneys in human recipients beyond just brain-dead individuals.
  • Regulatory approval and ethical considerations must be addressed before pig xenotransplants can become a viable alternative for those awaiting kidney transplants.

Article Abstract

The fundamental ethical question of whether pig organs should be transplanted into humans has been settled, as recent surgeries demonstrating proof of concept demonstrate. Other issues need to be considered and reconciled before xenotransplantation of pig kidneys becomes a solution to the organ shortage for people waiting for a kidney transplant or as a viable alternative to the deceased donor or living donor human kidneys. Human trials will be needed beyond brain-dead individuals to show that xenotransplantation is safe from immunologic and infectious standpoints. Transplant centers will need to show that xenotransplantation provides a long-term benefit to recipients and is financially viable. If trials are successful and receive regulatory approval, pig xenotransplants may become another option for people waiting for a kidney. Before patients are discharged with a functioning xenograft, practical issues with ethical implications remain.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9664566PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ckj/sfac125DOI Listing

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