The UNOS OPTN waiting list: 1988-1995

Area of Science:

• Organ transplantation research
• Public health and epidemiology
• Medical statistics

Background:

• The organ transplant waiting list experienced a significant increase in 1995, highlighting growing demand for organ donation.
• Kidney registrations constituted the largest proportion of the waiting list, indicating a high need for kidney transplants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the demographic characteristics of individuals on the organ transplant waiting list as of November 30, 1995.
• To examine trends in new registrations and waiting times for various organ types between 1988 and 1995.
• To identify factors influencing median waiting times for organ transplantation.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive statistical analysis of waiting list data from November 30, 1995.
• Trend analysis of new organ registrations from 1988 to 1994.
• Analysis of median waiting times based on organ type, blood type, previous transplant history, sex, race, and age.

Main Results:

• The waiting list grew by 15.1% in 1995, reaching 43,370 registrants, with kidneys comprising 70.9%. Predominant registrants were male (57.6%), White (59.2%), aged 18-49 (57%), blood type O (51.4%), and had no prior transplant (82%).
• New registrations surged by 69.6% from 1988 to 1994. Lung and liver waiting lists showed the highest percentage increase in additions. The transplantation rate declined while the death rate remained stable.
• Median waiting times varied significantly. Blood type O, previous transplant history, female sex, and older age generally correlated with longer waiting times, with exceptions noted for specific organs. Pediatric patients generally experienced shorter waiting times.

Conclusions:

• Demographic trends indicate an increasing need for organ transplantation, particularly for kidneys.
• Factors such as blood type, prior transplant status, sex, race, and age significantly influence organ transplant waiting times.
• The findings underscore the complexity of organ allocation and the need for strategies to address the growing demand and disparities in waiting times.