PhD awarded - Dr Martin Dutch
Congratulations to Dr Martin Dutch on completion of his PhD thesis titled "Development of a residual risk of transmission calculator for blood-borne viruses in increased viral risk organ donors".
Abstract
In Australia, few individuals pass away in circumstances where organ donation can be facilitated. Therefore, it is essential for clinicians to optimise transplant outcomes in these rare instances. Increased Viral Risk Organ Donors (IVRDs), accounting for approximately 10% of deceased donors, engage in behaviours that elevate their risk of recent HBV, HCV, or HIV infection. Despite low risks of undetected infection, and net benefits to recipients, organs from IVRDs are underutilised.
In this thesis, methods are developed to estimate the residual risk of disease transmission from Australian IVRDs and explore the utility and feasibility of introducing an app to support clinicians when weighing the benefits of an IVRD organ offer.
