Addressing Kidney Transplant Shortage: The Potential of Kidney Paired Exchanges in Jordan

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplantation Surgery
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Jordan pioneered Middle Eastern living-donor kidney transplants in 1972 and regulated organ donation in 1977.
• Despite early advances, Jordan's organ donation after brain death program is inactive, leading to significant organ shortages.
• As of 2020, only 14.2% of end-stage kidney disease patients had access to a living donor, highlighting a critical need for solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility of implementing Kidney Paired Exchange (KPE) in Jordan.
• To propose an approach for KPE implementation in Jordan, addressing ethical and legal considerations.
• To identify strategies to substantially increase kidney transplant rates in Jordan.

Main Methods:

• Review of current Jordanian organ donation and transplantation laws and regulations.
• Analysis of the potential impact of Kidney Paired Exchange (KPE) on donor shortage and recipient compatibility.
• Exploration of ethical and legal frameworks necessary for KPE program establishment.

Main Results:

• The current legal restriction limiting living kidney donation to fifth-degree relatives significantly curtails the donor pool.
• Kidney Paired Exchange (KPE) presents a viable strategy to mitigate donor-recipient incompatibility and expand transplant opportunities.
• Implementing KPE could substantially increase the number of kidney transplants performed in Jordan.

Conclusions:

• Jordan's organ donation system requires innovative solutions beyond traditional living donation to meet patient demand.
• Kidney Paired Exchange (KPE) offers a promising avenue to overcome donor shortages and improve transplant access.
• Adapting legal and ethical frameworks is crucial for successful KPE implementation in Jordan to enhance kidney transplantation outcomes.