Autopsy findings of first baboon
transplant patient
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 8, 1992--At a news conference on Sept. 8, 1992, doctors at the
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center confirmed that the death of the 35-year-old man
who received a baboon liver on June 28 was caused by a hemorrhage between membranes which
cover and protect the brain. They also stated that an autopsy showed only mild signs of
rejection.
"The state of that liver after more than 70 days was really remarkably good,
almost normal," said Thomas Starzl, M.D., Ph.D., professor of surgery and director of
the Pitt Transplantation Institute.
He also stated that blood vessels were normal, as well. "These were all very
positive findings," he said. "Hallmarks of antibody-mediated rejection were not
present."
"Everyone at the beginning of this race had an almost pathologic fear of rejection
because it had been seen in a virulent form in every other case ever done. And, they
didn't see it here," he said.
Doctors also said they would continue their initial plans to perform a total of four
baboon-to-human liver transplants once they have had an opportunity to review this initial
case.
The cause of the hemorrhage will not be known until pathological studies
are completed.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Rossi
Tel:(412) 647-3555 Fax: (412) 624-3184
EMAIL: ROSSIL@MSX.UPMC.EDU
