The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) reports that implementing a race-neutral formula for kidney transplant eligibility has led to more Black patients receiving needed kidneys. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) approved a new national measure in June 2022 requiring transplant hospitals to use a race-neutral formula when placing patients on waitlists, with implementation required by January 2024.
The previous formula, called Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), included a Black race coefficient that often resulted in delayed treatment and longer waitlist times for Black patients. Dr. Michael Casey, transplant nephrologist at MUSC, explains that this coefficient stemmed from long-standing biases and contributed to health disparities.
“As soon as we made this policy change, Black patients were getting calls for their transplants within a few weeks,” Casey said.
The change is particularly significant in South Carolina, where Black individuals comprise over 25% of the population and face three times higher risk of kidney failure. MUSC had already been working to improve kidney transplant equity through changes in the evaluation process.
Arthur Smalls, a 70-year-old Black kidney transplant recipient from Charleston, waited six years for his transplant in October 2023. His experience highlights the importance of the new race-neutral formula in improving access to lifesaving transplants for Black patients.
Currently, 1,573 people are waiting for a kidney in South Carolina. Casey expressed satisfaction that the waitlist is becoming more equitable for all patients through this change.
See “Incorporating a race-neutral formula for kidney transplant leads to more Black patients receiving the kidneys they need” (March 27, 2024)
