NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 14, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Medical Association (AMA) today voted to support amending a federal law that bars clinical research of HIV-infected organ donation, as a potentially lifesaving measure for people living with HIV infection.
Advances in the medical management of HIV infection coupled with improvements in transplant outcomes could make organ transplantation a viable clinical option for many HIV-infected patients. Despite these scientific advances, the Federal National Organ Transplant Act of 1984 precludes donations of HIV-infected organs, thereby prohibiting investigational studies on a source of organs for HIV-infected patients.
Research is needed to fully evaluate the clinical risks and benefits of organ transplantation between HIV-infected individuals," said AMA Board Member Ardis D. Hoven, M.D. "The new policy adopted today extends the AMA's support for a change in federal law that will permit the necessary scientific investigation."
It is estimated that there are approximately 500-600 potential HIV-infected kidney and liver donors per year in the United States. Organs from these donors have the potential to save the lives of approximately 1,000 HIV-infected patients each year.
The new policy supporting research on organ transplantation between HIV-infected individuals was adopted today at the AMA's semi-annual policy making meeting in New Orleans.
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Media Contact:
Robert J. Mills
AMA Media Relations
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About the American Medical Association (AMA)
The American Medical Association helps doctors help patients by uniting physicians nationwide to work on the most important professional, public health and health policy issues. The nation's largest physician organization plays a leading role in shaping the future of medicine. For more information on the AMA, please visit www.ama-assn.org.
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