European review for medical and pharmacological sciences·2022
Area of Science:
Nephrology
Transplant Surgery
Public Health Policy
Background:
Kidney transplantation in Singapore began in 1970.
Early transplant rates were low, averaging 4.7 cadaveric transplants annually until 1987.
Graft survival improved with the introduction of cyclosporine in 1985.
Purpose of the Study:
To analyze the impact of medical and legislative advancements on kidney transplantation rates in Singapore.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the Human Organ Transplant Act in increasing organ procurement.
Main Methods:
Retrospective analysis of kidney transplant data in Singapore from 1970 to 1990.
Examination of the correlation between the introduction of cyclosporine, transplant coordinator appointments, and the Human Organ Transplant Act with transplant volumes.
Main Results:
Kidney transplant rates significantly increased from 4.7 to 31.3 annually between 1988-1990.
The Human Organ Transplant Act (1987) was a major driver, accounting for over half of procured kidneys (55/94) during 1988-1990.
Full-time transplant coordinators appointed in 1986 also contributed to the increased rate.
Conclusions:
The combination of immunosuppressive therapy (cyclosporine), dedicated transplant coordination, and supportive legislation like the Human Organ Transplant Act dramatically improved kidney transplant activity in Singapore.
Legislative measures play a crucial role in enhancing organ donation and transplantation outcomes.