Nearly a year ago, James Golden’s life changed forever when he underwent a liver transplant he once thought impossible. Living with HIV since 1999, Golden feared his diagnosis would disqualify him from receiving the life-saving procedure. Today, thanks to the groundbreaking work of Duke University doctors, Golden is thriving—and his story is inspiring a new wave of hope for patients living with HIV.
Golden’s journey began with a battle against severe liver disease. His condition had progressed to hepatic encephalopathy, a state in which toxins build up in the blood, impairing brain function.
“It led to me being in a state of dementia,” Golden shared. “I couldn’t dial the phone. I could see the numbers, but the connection between my mind and my finger wasn’t there.”
Spending most of his time in the hospital, Golden knew a transplant was his only hope. However, his HIV status weighed heavily on his mind.
“I thought HIV would be an obstacle,” he admitted. “I felt that I was not going to be considered because of that.”
The HOPE Act: Transforming Transplants for HIV Patients
At Duke University, however, Golden found reassurance. Since 2017, Duke has been a pioneer in transplanting organs between HIV-positive donors and recipients under the federal HOPE (HIV Organ Policy Equity) Act. This legislation allows specialized centers to safely perform these transplants, which were previously prohibited.
Duke infectious disease specialist Dr. Cameron Wolfe emphasized that advances in HIV treatment have changed the landscape for transplant patients.
“HIV is a disease that can be controlled,” Dr. Wolfe explained. “If their life expectancy with HIV is the same as anyone else’s, then why shouldn’t we give them an organ transplant?”
Since 2017, Duke has performed 23 kidney and five liver transplants involving HIV-positive donors and recipients. It is also licensed to perform heart and lung transplants between HIV-positive individuals, making it the only hospital in the Carolinas authorized to do so.
Dr. Wolfe shared that the outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive.
“The results are almost as if they do not have HIV,” he noted. “The data show that transplant recipients with HIV live just as successfully post-transplant as those without the virus.”
Paving the Way for Others
Golden’s successful transplant has not only saved his life but also sparked hope for others. He encourages people living with HIV to consider organ donation and applauds the bravery of his donor.
“I will be celebrating that it has been a year,” he said. “I am still alive.”
Duke’s work, combined with promising data from centers across the country, could soon lead to expanded access for HIV-positive patients nationwide. Dr. Wolfe expressed optimism that other hospitals will be authorized to perform these life-saving transplants in the near future.
For now, James Golden’s story stands as a testament to resilience, medical innovation, and the life-changing power of organ donation.
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