A Houston hospital has temporarily suspended its liver and kidney transplant programs following revelations that a doctor manipulated a database for liver transplant patients, rendering them ineligible for organ transplants. Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center disclosed that an internal investigation uncovered 'inappropriate changes' made by a doctor to the database for individuals awaiting liver transplants. While the hospital did not identify the doctor involved, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) defended Dr. Steve Bynon, describing him as a skilled and compassionate physician with exceptional survival rates.
Dr. Bynon, an UTHealth Houston employee contracted to Memorial Hermann, is cooperating with the inquiry into the hospital's liver transplant program. Memorial Hermann revealed that alterations were made to the donor acceptance criteria, specifically affecting the liver transplant program. Due to shared leadership between the liver and kidney transplant programs, both programs have been temporarily suspended.
Experts like Karen Maschke from the Hastings Center emphasized the significance of halting the programs during the investigation, citing the potential impact on patients. Allegations of manipulating transplant waiting lists can erode public trust in the organ allocation system, affecting both patients and donors. Transparency and fairness are crucial for maintaining trust in transplant programs.
Memorial Hermann acknowledged that a doctor in the liver transplant program admitted to altering patient records, with reports identifying the doctor as Bynon. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stated that they are addressing the issue, while the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) refrained from commenting on ongoing reviews of member organizations.
Data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients revealed higher-than-expected death rates for liver transplant candidates at Memorial Hermann in recent years. The hospital has been assisting affected patients, ensuring they receive necessary care and facilitating transitions to other transplant programs if needed. Memorial Hermann is collaborating with UTHealth Houston to implement changes for reactivating the programs under new leadership.
