September 25, 1990
Dear Colleague,
In this issue of the newsletter we are presenting the yearly evolution of success rates for kidney, heart, liver and pancreas transplants. Only first transplants in recipients who received cyclosporine were analyzed. Some caution should be exercised for the 1989 data since the follow up is not complete. Since 1983/84 kidney transplants have reached a remarkable level of stability, and heart transplants since 1985. In contrast, liver and pancreas transplants show more recent improvements.
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These results not only allow an estimation of progress but they also indicate that the evolution in time must be considered for the data analysis. For example, to analyze the effect of HLA matching, it would appear appropriate to eliminate data from years with markedly inferior success rates in order for the results to be representative of "today's situation". In fact, we have used this guideline to some extent in the past and we will adhere to it in the future. Unfortunately, this means that, for the evaluation of matching to be valid, the liver and pancreas transplant data are far too small at present. Of course, the analysis of other factors is affected similarly. Aside from other important reasons, these results underscore the need for continuing the prospective registration of new patients.
Attached to this newsletter is the first summary table of participants in the liver transplant study. We are very grateful for the support that we have received from so many centers. The study has become quite active and we are confident that the liver study will be just as rewarding as the studies of other organs. If you would like to join this strictly scientific effort, or if you know of others who would like to join, please inform us and we will be happy to supply you with the necessary forms. Also, if you have suggestions for improvements or ideas for special research topics that are suitable for a multicenter approach, please drop me a line.
The next shipping date for cell material to be included in the DNA-RFLP study is
November 27, 1990.
Please be sure to pack the material in sufficient dry ice and inform us by Fax or Telephone concerning the shipping details. Our broker can retrieve the parcels at the airport in Frankfurt without delay if you announce the shipments in advance.
Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Sincerely yours,