Modified Pig Kidney Inside Brain-Dead Person for Two Months Gives Hope to Animal-Human Transplants

A modified pig kidney has functioned inside a brain-dead human for at least two months, giving hope to experts for successful animal-human transplants.

Kidney problem is a leading cause of death. At least 37 million US adults suffer from chronic Kidney Disease (KDA).

When the kidney is damaged, it could result in severe health damage, causing anemia and other infections in other parts of the body. It could likely worsen without early treatment.

Modified Pig Kidney Inside Brain-Dead Person

(Photo : by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)
A stock photo of kidney transplant. Modified pig kidney worked inside a brain-dead human for two months, giving hope to Animal-Human Transplants. Records show that 15% of US adults suffer from Chronic Kidney Disease. Kidney problem is a leading cause of death. At least 37 million US adults suffer from chronic Kidney Disease (KDA).

The modified pig kidney was functioning inside the body of a brain-dead person. Recently, the NYU Langone Health doctors pulled out the modified pig kidney for further analysis and observations.

The brain-dead patient, Maurice Miller, was on the ventilator for about two months. Doctors monitored the development of the modified pig kidney inside the body.

The doctors thanked the patient's family, who helped to offer new knowledge about the recent research experiment on animal-to-human transplant.

The advancement in the research could help present new solutions to the kidney transplant.

The pig heart was modified so that the human body would accept it. At first, the urine decreased. However, it became normal after using medicines.

In the US, a report showed that common causes of kidney problems are the following:

Diabetes
High blood pressure

Some people with kidney issues could be unaware of the health problems unless worsening signs unfold.

Based on the NHI, Kidney disease can be found in more than one in 7 American adults. The disease is said to be higher or more common among women, especially for people 65 and above.

As the transplant surgeon, Dr. Robert Montgomery, explained that the transplant gave confidence in addressing the organ shortage problem in the country.

The transplant can provide essential insights. Next, they will examine the 180 different tissues for further analysis.

In a March report, a person who had a heart transplant from a pig died after two months.

Also Read: Changing Sleeping Patterns Likely to Develop Unhealthy Gut Bacteria, Study Warns

How to take care of your kidney

According to the CDC, 360 people are on dialysis treatment due to a kidney problem.

There are at least 808,000 people in the country with End-Stage Kidney Disease, of which 31% require immediate kidney transplant.

The report highlighted that some people have undiagnosed kidney disease. Being tested for kidney problems can help prevent the worsening consequences in your body.

Americans should regularly exercise and consume a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables.

Lastly, daily smoking and drinking can increase the risk of kidney issues.