Recent research reveals persistent ethnic and racial disparities in access to kidney transplants, highlighting the complex barriers faced by minority groups. According to a comprehensive study published in The Lancet Regional Health-Americas, while improvements have been made since the implementation of the 2014 Kidney Allocation System, inequalities remain deeply entrenched.
The findings show that although Black and Hispanic patients were slightly more likely to receive information about kidney transplantation than their White counterparts, they faced significant challenges in the actual listing and receipt of transplants. Specifically, Black individuals had lower rates of listings and renal transplants, with only 39% receiving a transplant, compared to 52% of Whites. Hispanics showed similar trends, listing at rates of only 14%.
Asians, though more likely to be listed for transplants, experienced a striking 44% reduced likelihood of receiving one compared to White patients. The disparity was most pronounced in live donor kidney transplants, with markedly lower five-year cumulative incidence rates for minority groups.
These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that address both systemic and individual barriers to ensure equitable access to kidney transplants across different ethnic and racial groups. Strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by each group are critical for improving healthcare outcomes.
See “Ethnic and racial disparities in accessibility to kidney transplants” (October 9, 2024)
