A new race-neutral formula for determining organ transplant eligibility is being implemented nationwide, aiming to address longstanding disparities that have disadvantaged minority patients, particularly African Americans. The change comes after decades of using a formula that included a race variable, which experts now believe overestimated kidney function in Black patients by up to 16%.
Dr. Anthony Watkins, director of Tampa General Hospital’s Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Program, highlighted the impact of the previous system, stating, “Over 300 years of waiting time was added to the patients on our waiting list.” He cited an extreme case where one patient received an additional eight and a half years of wait time, significantly delaying their transplant opportunity.
The new standards, approved by the Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network, are expected to broaden access to transplants for minority patients. This change is particularly crucial for African Americans, who face three times the risk of kidney failure compared to white patients and make up about one-third of the more than 90,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant.
While this represents a significant step forward, medical professionals emphasize the ongoing need for patient education to prevent health issues leading to kidney failure. High rates of diabetes and hypertension contribute to the increased risk of kidney disease among African American and Hispanic patients.
Dr. Watkins stressed the importance of awareness, advising patients with a family history of kidney disease to ensure their physicians are informed. The new guidelines are also expected to encourage more people, especially people of color, to consider becoming organ donors.
See “New standards look to eliminate disparities in organ transplant system” (April 30, 2024)
