In 2014, the United Network for Organ Sharing changed its algorithm to reprioritize how deceased donor kidneys are allocated. Now, a study from Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine suggests the new system minimized racial disparities in kidney transplant rates.
Prior to the implementation of UNOS' nationwide rules on Dec. 4, 2014, the kidney allocation system was largely based on how long patients spent on the waiting list. The new algorithm gave more weight to how long patients spent on dialysis. The change was made because frequently minorities are not placed on the waiting list in a timely manner after beginning dialysis.
Ultimately, the transplant rate for deceased donated kidney recipients jumped from 31.7 percent to 37.2 percent among black patients and from 16.9 percent to 18.4 percent for Hispanic patients.
Despite the progress, the study authors were sure to note that the UNOS rules did not change the number of minorities actually on kidney transplant waiting lists.
"The new allocation policy only addresses the population of patients on the waiting list," said Dorry L. Segev MD, PhD, associate professor of surgery at Johns Hopkins. "There are still profound disparities for non-Caucasian candidates getting into the system in the first place."
More articles on organ transplant programs:
Lung transplant patient sues UPMC Presbyterian over fungal infection
UCSF Medical Center suspends living donor kidney transplant program
Gulf Coast Medical Center's transplant program on probation after donor death