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FDA Approves New Test to Help Treat Common Infection Transplant Patients

As you are reading this, 114,810 people are waiting for an organ. Eighteen people will die today waiting for an organ that could save their life. Yet, even for those who undergo a solid organ transplant, they face serious complications. Today I wanted to share exciting news for those who get a second chance. This month, the FDA has approved the first DNA test to help doctors treat a common viral infection in patients who have a solid organ transplant.

The cytomegalovirus (CMV) is especially common in people who have their immune systems deliberately suppressed after a transplant, in the heart, lung, pancreas or kidney. The virus can lead to more severe health problems, such as pneumonia or colitis. Doctors will suppress the immune system to help prevent organ rejection, and may have to prescribe an anti-CMV therapy. Depending on their increase or decrease in viral load as determine by the new test, doctors can measure if a therapy is working.

You can find more information about the test here. To learn more about organ donate, please click here.