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Characterizing Middle Eastern and North African Patients in US Transplant Data
Jesse Howell1, Jesse D Schold2, Lisa M McElroy3
1Research Department, United Network for Organ Sharing, Richmond, VA.
Transplantation Direct
|July 9, 2026
Summary
The study found differences in transplant waitlist metrics between Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) and non-MENA candidates. Separate reporting of MENA individuals may improve understanding of transplant equity.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation research
- Health equity
- Demographic analysis in healthcare
Background:
- New US government guidelines mandate separate reporting for Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) populations.
- Previous data did not distinguish MENA individuals, potentially obscuring disparities in organ transplantation.
- This study addresses the need to understand pre-revision differences between MENA and non-MENA transplant candidates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare demographic and clinical characteristics of Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) and non-MENA organ transplant candidates before the new reporting directive.
- To identify potential disparities in waitlist times, medical urgency, and outcomes between these groups.
- To inform future research and policy regarding equitable organ allocation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) data for kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplants (2018-2023).
- Inclusion of White, non-Hispanic US residents, categorizing Arab/Middle Eastern and North African individuals as MENA.
- Comparison of demographics, survival rates, mortality, and time to transplant between MENA and non-MENA groups.
Main Results:
- MENA candidates were younger, more often male, and more frequently listed for kidney transplants.
- Significant differences observed in dialysis duration, medical urgency status, and median time to transplant between MENA and non-MENA candidates for specific organs.
- One-year graft/patient survival rates were similar, but waitlist mortality and transplant rates varied by organ and ethnicity.
Conclusions:
- Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) and non-MENA transplant candidates exhibit distinct characteristics and waitlist experiences.
- Differences in dialysis time, medical urgency, and transplant timelines highlight the need for granular data.
- Separate monitoring of MENA candidates post-revision is crucial for advancing transplant equity and understanding outcomes.
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