The recipient of the first hand transplant in the United States has graduated from his two-year check-up "with flying colors," according to one of his surgeons, Warren C. Breidenbach, MD.
Patient Matthew D. Scott received his new hand in January 1999 at Jewish Hospital in Louisville. He recently underwent a series of evaluations, including a biopsy, nerve conduction analysis, physical therapy, orthotics assessment, and other laboratory tests.
"Matt's biopsy showed no signs of rejection, and he has not had a rejection episode in the past 17 months. Three episodes were reported following surgery, which were expected and treated with medication. Matt's medication dosage has been lowered, but he will remain on the anti-rejection drugs for the life of the hand transplant," said transplant surgeon Darla K. Granger, MD.
Although Mr. Scott has not experienced "a huge increase" in function in the past year, the latest tests did demonstrate increased sensitivity and increased motor function, the hospital said in a statement. Mr. Scott scored 55 on a 100-point test of function and sensory activities-with a score of 100 representing a normal hand and a score of about 25 representing a hand with a prosthesis.
He also has increased his pinch strength with his thumb and fingers and is able to handle coins and newspapers and hand out test results to his students.
Jewish Hospital said that it is ready to perform another transplant and has a candidate listed with Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates.
In related news, Reuters news service reported on January 19 that Denis Chatelier, the patient who received the world's first double hand transplant a year ago, is also faring well and can make a phone call and hold a toothbrush. The double hand transplant was performed by surgeons led by Jean-Michel Dubernard in Lyon, France - the same team that performed the world's first modern transplant on Australian Clint Hallam a few months before Mr. Scott's operation.
For Your Information:
See www.handtransplant.com for links to pictures and Jewish Hospital's statement.
Please be aware that medical advice, diagnoses and physician references cannot be obtained from this site.