Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation is Associated With Inferior Long-Term Outcomes in African Americans

Area of Science:

• Transplantation immunology
• Nephrology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPK) is a vital treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal disease.
• The influence of recipient ethnicity on SPK transplant success remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of recipient ethnicity on outcomes following simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPK).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 20,196 SPK recipients from the United Network for Organ Sharing database (1989-2014).
• Recipients categorized into White, African American (AA), Hispanic, and Asian groups.
• Comparison of graft and patient survival rates across ethnic groups.

Main Results:

• Hispanics and Asians demonstrated significantly superior long-term graft and patient survival rates compared to Whites (P < 0.0001).
• African Americans showed improved short-term (1-3 year) patient and graft survival versus Whites (P < 0.0001).
• African Americans experienced significantly worse long-term patient and allograft outcomes compared to Whites.

Conclusions:

• Recipient ethnicity significantly influences simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPK) outcomes.
• African Americans exhibit poorer long-term patient and graft survival post-SPK compared to White, Hispanic, and Asian recipients.
• Further research is needed to understand and address ethnic disparities in SPK transplant success.