Three quarters of the world's first 50 face transplants lasted at least 10 years

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-09-19 01:00

International

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International scientists reviewed the outcomes of the world's first 50 face transplants and found 85% survived for five years, and 74% for at least 10 years. The average number of rejection episodes per year was 1.2 for the transplants that were lost and 0.7 for the transplants that survived, the authors say. The 50 transplants were performed on 39 men (81%) and 9 women (19%) with an average age of 35, with the first carried out in France in 2005 on a 46-year-old woman with severe facial injuries from a dog bite. The earliest transplants had the worst survival rates, but these have improved with each procedure as techniques have advanced, the experts say. However, the study did not include functional and patient-reported outcomes. The authors say the findings are encouraging and suggest face transplants are an effective reconstructive option for patients with severe facial defects.

Media release

From: JAMA

An Update on the Survival of the First 50 Face Transplants Worldwide

About The Study: In this study, the overall survival of the face transplants is encouraging. These data suggest that the acceptable long-term survival of face transplants makes them a reconstructive option for extensive facial defects.

Quote from corresponding author Pauliina Homsy, MD, PhD:

“A total of 50 face transplants have been performed since 2005. Activity has been concentrated with only 18 centers in 11 countries giving this treatment. Our study demonstrates an overall 5- and 10-year survival of face transplants at 85% and 74%, respectively.

“The majority of patients with severe facial defects can be treated with conventional methods but there are those whose defect is too complex for it. The encouraging face transplant survival rate suggests that face transplantation can be a long-term reconstructive option for these patients.”

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Research JAMA, Web page The URL will go live after the embargo ends

Editorial / Opinion JAMA, Web page The URL will go live after the embargo ends

Journal/
conference: JAMA Surgery

Research: Link to Paper 1 | Paper 2

Organisation/s: University of Helsinki, Finland

Funder: No information provided.

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