Double Hand Transplant Recipient Receives Pioneering NHS Treatment to Prevent Rejection

A woman who had a double hand transplant has undergone a groundbreaking medical treatment to prevent her body from rejecting her new hands. Tanya Shepherd, from Hull, made headlines in 2018 as the UK’s first female recipient of two replacement hands. Unfortunately, her immune system identified the tissue as foreign, resulting in rejection.

Fortunately, in what is believed to be a world first, Tanya has undergone plasma exchange as an innovative treatment. This pioneering therapy removes the antibodies from her blood, significantly reducing the risk of rejection.

Tanya, now 48, expressed her concerns regarding the likelihood of rejection. However, referring to her role as a trailblazer for this new treatment, she commented, “I am truly honored to be the first person to trial this innovative medical approach.”

Tanya has already observed a positive change in her symptoms, including reduced swelling, improved dexterity, and a return to normal skin pigmentation.

In 2018, Tanya became the recipient of a double hand and arm transplant at Leeds General Infirmary. This life-changing procedure followed the loss of both hands and a significant portion of her left arm due to sepsis.

However, Tanya’s joy was short-lived as she was diagnosed with antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). This specific type of rejection occurs when the immune system mistakenly recognizes the transplanted tissue as foreign and starts generating antibodies to fight it.

Tanya is currently receiving treatment from the renowned NHS Therapeutic Apheresis Services team in Leeds, which specializes in eliminating harmful proteins, chemicals, and cells from patients’ bloodstreams.

Having undergone ten sessions of therapeutic plasma exchange, Tanya’s blood has been effectively purged of plasma, leading to a rapid decrease in harmful antibodies.

Looking ahead, Tanya is scheduled to embark on immunosuppressive treatment, aimed at preventing the rise of antibodies in her system and ensuring the long-term success of her hand transplant.

Dr. James Griffin, a medical director at NHS Blood and Transplant, emphasized, “Our primary objective is to safeguard the transplant from rejection while additional therapies focus on suppressing Tanya’s immune system’s antibody production. We are delighted to witness the significant improvement in Tanya’s symptoms.”

Tanya Shepherd expressed her immense gratitude towards “generous blood and plasma donors” who made this groundbreaking treatment a reality. She encouraged more individuals to support this noble cause by signing up for blood and plasma donation, emphasizing the profound impact this can have on transforming lives.

Andrea Leadsom, the UK’s Health Minister, stated, “Organ rejection poses a substantial risk for transplant recipients, and its consequences can be devastating. The NHS Blood and Transplant team, through unparalleled treatments like the world’s first plasma exchange in Tanya’s case, helps individuals receive subsequent interventions and live their lives to the fullest.”