Physician-researchers from Baylor Scott & White Health played a prominent role at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) The Liver Meeting 2023, held Nov. 10-14 in Boston. They presented the latest insights from one of the largest multispecialty transplant centers in the nation: Baylor Scott & White Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute in Dallas.
Until recently, there was no FDA-approved treatment in the United States for hepatorenal syndrome, a major complication of advanced liver disease. Patients with hepatorenal syndrome develop acute kidney failure, and often require dialysis. After more than a decade of research, in September 2022 the FDA granted approval to terlipressin, a medication that can reverse kidney failure in these patients, quickly establishing terlipressin as the routinely prescribed medication.
The burden of liver disease is increasing in Dallas/Fort Worth and throughout the nation. In addition to alcohol abuse or misuse, there has been an alarming increase in the incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a leading cause of cirrhosis.
The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth celebrated survivorship with joy, hope and fellowship at the ECMO Reunion on January 6. The event brought together ECMO patients and families from all over Texas to reunite with the physicians and staff members who made recovery possible.
ECMO technology provides advanced support for critically ill heart and lung patients, allowing time to recover or as a short-term bridge to transplant. Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth is one of only three locations within the Baylor Scott & White system that offers ECMO capabilities. Since the ECMO program began at the hospital, over 200 patients have received this life-changing support.
Since 2019, the Advanced Heart and Lung Disease Center at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth has offered a specialized approach to managing patients with heart failure. While the center provides options for heart failure in its most advanced stage, it also focuses on preventing the progression of the condition.
