Reasons for Disparities in Access to Kidney Transplantation

Clinical Background: Kidney transplantation (KT) is the best treatment for most patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), providing better survival and quality of life and lower cost when compared to dialysis. Epidemiology: Despite robust evidence showing the superiority of KT over dialysis, a significant percentage of ESKD patients worldwide do not access this treatment. Challenges: Barriers resulting in inequalities and inequities in access to KT involves chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis and management, including difficulties in accessing dialysis therapy before KT; suboptimal referral and enlistment to KT; and imbalance between supply and demand for organs. Low socioeconomic status has an important role in that scenario. Prevention and Treatment: Strategies to minimize disparities in access to KT involve public policies to ensure access to CKD diagnosis and treatment, health education, continuous training of health providers, infrastructure, and allocation policies.