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Sandal S, Ahn J, Chen Y, Thompson V, Purnell TS, Cantarovich M, Clark-Cutaia MN, Wu W, Suri R, Segev DL, McAdams-DeMarco M. Differences in Racial and Ethnic Disparities Between First and Repeat Kidney Transplantation. Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00761. [PMID: 38771099 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent data suggest patients with graft failure had better access to repeat kidney transplantation (re-KT) than transplant-naive dialysis accessing first KT. This was postulated to be because of better familiarity with the transplant process and healthcare system; whether this advantage is equitably distributed is not known. We compared the magnitude of racial/ethnic disparities in access to re-KT versus first KT. METHODS Using United States Renal Data System, we identified 104 454 White, Black, and Hispanic patients with a history of graft failure from 1995 to 2018, and 2 357 753 transplant-naive dialysis patients. We used adjusted Cox regression to estimate disparities in access to first and re-KT and whether the magnitude of these disparities differed between first and re-KT using a Wald test. RESULTS Black patients had inferior access to both waitlisting and receiving first KT and re-KT. However, the racial/ethnic disparities in waitlisting for (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-0.80) and receiving re-KT (aHR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.58-0.64) was greater than the racial/ethnic disparities in first KT (waitlisting: aHR = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.90-0.93; Pinteraction = 0.001; KT: aHR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.64-0.72; Pinteraction < 0.001). For Hispanic patients, ethnic disparities in waitlisting for re-KT (aHR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.79-0.88) were greater than for first KT (aHR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.11-1.16; Pinteraction < 0.001). However, the disparity in receiving re-KT (aHR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.72-0.80) was similar to that for first KT (aHR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.68-0.79; Pinteraction = 0.55). Inferences were similar when restricting the cohorts to the Kidney Allocation System era. CONCLUSIONS Unlike White patients, Black and Hispanic patients with graft failure do not experience improved access to re-KT. This suggests that structural and systemic barriers likely persist for racialized patients accessing re-KT, and systemic changes are needed to achieve transplant equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaifali Sandal
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - JiYoon Ahn
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Yusi Chen
- Department of Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Valerie Thompson
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Tanjala S Purnell
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Marcelo Cantarovich
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Wenbo Wu
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Rita Suri
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dorry L Segev
- Department of Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Health, New York, NY
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Mara McAdams-DeMarco
- Department of Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Health, New York, NY
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Langone Health, New York, NY
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2
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Ford CG, Leyva Y, Kruger ES, Zhu Y, Croswell E, Kendall K, Puttarajapa C, Dew MA, Ng YH, Unruh ML, Myaskovsky L. Predicting Kidney Transplant Evaluation Non-attendance. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2024; 31:153-162. [PMID: 36959431 PMCID: PMC10035980 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-023-09953-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Non-attendance to kidney transplant evaluation (KTE) appointments is a barrier to optimal care for those with kidney failure. We examined the medical and socio-cultural factors that predict KTE non-attendance to identify opportunities for integrated medical teams to intervene. Patients scheduled for KTE between May, 2015 and June, 2018 completed an interview before their initial KTE appointment. The interview assessed various social determinants of health, including demographic (e.g., income), medical (e.g. co-morbidities), transplant knowledge, cultural (e.g., medical mistrust), and psychosocial (e.g., social support) factors. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the strongest predictor of KTE non-attendance. Our sample (N = 1119) was 37% female, 76% non-Hispanic White, median age 59.4 years (IQR 49.2-67.5). Of note, 142 (13%) never attended an initial KTE clinic appointment. Being on dialysis predicted higher odds of KTE non-attendance (OR 1.76; p = .02; 64% of KTE attendees on dialysis vs. 77% of non-attendees on dialysis). Transplant and nephrology teams should consider working collaboratively with dialysis units to better coordinate care, (e.g., resources to attend appointment or outreach to emphasize the importance of transplant) adjusting the KTE referral and evaluation process to address access issues (e.g., using tele-health) and encouraging partnership with clinical psychologists to promote quality of life for those on dialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Graham Ford
- Center for Healthcare Equity in Kidney Disease (CHEK-D), University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Yuridia Leyva
- Center for Healthcare Equity in Kidney Disease (CHEK-D), University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Eric S Kruger
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Yiliang Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Emilee Croswell
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | | | - Chethan Puttarajapa
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Mary Amanda Dew
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Yue Harn Ng
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Mark L Unruh
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Larissa Myaskovsky
- Center for Healthcare Equity in Kidney Disease (CHEK-D), University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA.
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Cacciola R, Leonardis F, Gitto L, Favi E, Gruttadauria S, Clancy M, Veroux M, Angelico R, Pagano D, Mazzeo C, Cacciola I, Santoro D, Toti L, Tisone G, Cucinotta E. Health economics aspects of kidney transplantation in Sicily: a benchmark analysis on activity and estimated savings. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1222069. [PMID: 38162608 PMCID: PMC10757609 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1222069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background International and national registries consistently report substantial differences in kidney transplant (KT) activity despite demonstrable clinical and financial benefits. The study aims to estimate the financial resources gained by KT and produce a benchmark analysis that would inform adequate strategies for the growth of the service. Methods We analyzed the KT activity in our region between 2017 and 2019. The benchmark analysis was conducted with programs identified from national and international registries. The estimate of financial resources was obtained by applying the kidney transplant coefficient of value; subsequently, we compared the different activity levels and savings generated by the three KT programs. Findings The KT activity in the region progressively declined in the study years, producing a parallel reduction of the estimated savings. Such savings were substantially inferior when compared to those generated by benchmark programs (range €18-22 million less). Interpretation The factors influencing the reduced KT activity in the study period with the related "foregone savings" are multiple, as well as interdependent. Organ donation, access to the transplant waiting list, and KT from living donors appear to be the most prominent determinants of the observed different levels of activities. International experience suggests that a comprehensive strategy in the form of a "task force" may successfully address the critical areas of the service reversing the observed trend. The financial impact of a progressively reduced KT activity may be as critical as its clinical implications, jeopardizing the actual sustainability of services for patients with end-stage kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cacciola
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Leonardis
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
- Intensive Care Unit, Organ and Tissue Procurement Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Lara Gitto
- Dipartimento di Economia, Università Degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Evaldo Favi
- General Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Gruttadauria
- Department for the Treatment and Study of Abdominal Diseases and Abdominal Transplantation, University of Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico – Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Italy, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Surgery and Surgical and Medical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marc Clancy
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Molecular Sciences, Glasgow University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Massimiliano Veroux
- General Surgery Unit, Organ Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberta Angelico
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Duilio Pagano
- Department for the Treatment and Study of Abdominal Diseases and Abdominal Transplantation, University of Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico – Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmelo Mazzeo
- Department of Human Pathology, Emergency Surgery Unit, Università Degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Irene Cacciola
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Università Degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Santoro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Università Degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Toti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tisone
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Cucinotta
- General Surgery Unit, Organ Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
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4
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Hobby G. A Closer Look at Sex/Gender Disparity in Kidney Transplantation. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:2499-2500. [PMID: 38106583 PMCID: PMC10719635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
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5
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Harding JL, Di M, Pastan SO, Rossi A, DuBay D, Gompers A, Patzer RE. Sex/Gender-Based Disparities in Early Transplant Access by Attributed Cause of Kidney Disease-Evidence from a Multiregional Cohort in the Southeast United States. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:2580-2591. [PMID: 38106598 PMCID: PMC10719652 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction We examined sex/gender disparities across the continuum of transplant care by attributed cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Methods All adults (18-79 years; N = 43,548) with new-onset ESKD in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina between 2015 and 2019 were identified from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS). Individuals were linked to the Early Steps to Transplant Access Registry (E-STAR) to obtain data on referral and evaluation. Waitlisting data was ascertained from USRDS. Using a Cox-proportional hazards model, with follow-up through 2020, we assessed the association between sex/gender and referral within 12 months (among all incident dialysis patients), evaluation start within 6 months (among referred patients), and waitlisting (among all evaluated patients) by attributed cause of ESKD (type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, cystic disease, and other). Results Overall, women (vs. men) with type 2 diabetes-attributed ESKD were 13% (crude hazard ratio [HR]: 0.87 [0.83-0.91]), 14% (crude HR: 0.86 [0.81-0.91]), and 14% (crude HR: 0.86 [0.78-0.94]) less likely to be referred, evaluated, and waitlisted, respectively. Women (vs. men) with hypertension-attributed ESKD were 14% (crude HR: 0.86 [0.82-0.90]) and 8% (crude HR: 0.92 [0.87-0.98]) less likely to be referred and evaluated, respectively, but similarly likely to be waitlisted once evaluated (crude HR: 1.06 [0.97-1.15]). For all other attributed causes of ESKD, there was no sex/gender disparity in referral, evaluation, or waitlisting rates. Conclusion In the Southeast United States, sex/gender disparities in early access to kidney transplantation are specific to people with ESKD attributed to type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Harding
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Health Services Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mengyu Di
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Health Services Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Stephen O. Pastan
- Department of Medicine, Renal Division, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ana Rossi
- Piedmont Transplant Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Derek DuBay
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Annika Gompers
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rachel E. Patzer
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Health Services Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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6
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Thanamayooran A, Foster BJ, Tennankore KK, Vinson AJ. Patient and Provider Gender and Kidney Transplant Referral in Canada: A Survey of Canadian Healthcare Providers. Transplantation 2023; 107:e283-e291. [PMID: 37505913 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Referral for kidney transplant (KT) is variable, with women often disadvantaged. This study aimed to better characterize Canadian transplant referral practices and identify potential differences by respondent and/or patient gender using surveys targeted at healthcare practitioners (HCPs) involved in KT. METHODS Surveys consisting of 25 complex patient cases representing 7 themes were distributed to KT HCPs across Canada (March 3, 2022-April 27, 2022) using national nephrology/transplant society email registries. Respondents were asked whether they would refer the patient for transplant. Two identical surveys were created, differing only by gender/gender pronouns used in each case. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of respondent demographics and patient themes (including case gender) with the odds of transplant referral (overall and stratifying by respondent gender). RESULTS Overall, the referral rate was 58.0% among 97 survey respondents (46.4% male). Case themes associated with a lower likelihood of referral included adherence concerns (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.94), medical complexity (aOR 0.57; 95% CI, 0.38-0.85), and perceived frailty (aOR 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47-0.84). Respondent gender was not associated with differences in KT referral (aOR 0.91; 95% CI, 0.65-1.26 for male versus female respondents) but modified the association of frailty (less referral for male than female respondents, P = 0.005) and medical complexity (less referral for female than male respondents, P = 0.009) with referral. There were no differences in referral rate by case gender ( P = 0.82). CONCLUSIONS KT referral practices vary among Canadian HCPs. In this study, there were no differences in likelihood of transplant referral by candidate gender.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bethany J Foster
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Faculty of Medicine, QC, Canada
| | - Karthik K Tennankore
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, NS, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health, NS, Canada
| | - Amanda J Vinson
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, NS, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health, NS, Canada
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7
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Atiemo K, Baudier R, Craig-Schapiro R, Guo K, Mazumder N, Anderson A, Zhao L, Ladner D. Factors Underlying Racial Disparity in Utilization of Hepatitis C-Viremic Kidneys in the United States. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:2185-2194. [PMID: 35997960 PMCID: PMC10348076 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01398-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Utilization of hepatitis C (HCV) viremic kidneys is increasing in the United States. We examined racial disparity in this utilization using UNOS/OPTN data (2014-2020) and mixed effects models adjusting for donor/recipient/center factors. Included in the study were 58,786 adults receiving a deceased donor kidney transplant from 191 centers. Two thousand six hundred thirteen (4%) received kidneys from HCV-viremic donors. Of these, 1598 (61%) were HCV seronegative and 1015 (49%) were HCV seropositive. Among seronegative recipients, before adjusting for waiting time and education, Blacks (OR 0.69, 95%CI (0.60, 0.80)), Hispanics (OR 0.63, 95%CI (0.51, 0.79)), and Asians (OR 0.69, 95%CI (0.53, 0.90)) were less likely than Whites to receive HCV-viremic kidneys. In final models, effect of race was attenuated. Notably, shorter waiting time (OR 0.65, 95%CI (0.63, 0.67)) and increasing educational level (grade school less likely compared to high school OR 0.67, 95% CI (0.49, 0.92) and college more likely than high school (OR 1.16 95% CI (1.02, 1.31)) were associated with receipt of HCV-viremic kidneys. Among HCV-seropositive recipients, recipient race was not independently associated with receipt of HCV-viremic kidneys; however, centers with larger populations of Black waitlisted patients were more likely to utilize HCV-viremic kidneys (OR 1.71, 95%CI (1.20, 2.45)) compared to other centers. Our results suggest recipient race does not independently determine who receives HCV-viremic kidneys; however, other underlying factors including waiting time, education (among seronegative), and center racial mix (among seropositive) contribute to the current differential distribution of HCV-viremic kidneys among races.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kofi Atiemo
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical Center, 525 East 68 thStreet, Box 98, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Robin Baudier
- Epidemiology Department, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Rebecca Craig-Schapiro
- Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Transplant Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kexin Guo
- Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Transplant Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nikhilesh Mazumder
- Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Transplant Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amanda Anderson
- Epidemiology Department, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Lihui Zhao
- Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Transplant Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniela Ladner
- Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Transplant Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Healthcare Studies, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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8
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Ku E, McCulloch CE, Bicki A, Lin F, Lopez I, Furth SL, Warady BA, Grimes BA, Amaral S. Association Between Dialysis Facility Ownership and Mortality Risk in Children With Kidney Failure. JAMA Pediatr 2023; 177:1065-1072. [PMID: 37669042 PMCID: PMC10481326 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.3414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Importance In adults, treatment at profit dialysis facilities has been associated with a higher risk of death. Objective To determine whether profit status of dialysis facilities is associated with the risk of death in children with kidney failure treated with dialysis and whether any such association is mediated by differences in access to transplant. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study reviewed US Renal Data System records of 15 359 children who began receiving dialysis for kidney failure between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2019, in US dialysis facilities. The data analysis was performed between May 2, 2022, and June 15, 2023. Exposure Time-updated profit status of dialysis facilities. Main Outcomes and Measures Adjusted Fine-Gray models were used to determine the association of time-updated profit status of dialysis facilities with risk of death, treating kidney transplant as a competing risk. Cox proportional hazards regression models were also used to determine time-updated profit status with risk of death regardless of transplant status. Results The final cohort included 8465 boys (55.3%) and 6832 girls (44.7%) (median [IQR] age, 12 [3-15] years). During a median follow-up of 1.4 (IQR, 0.6-2.7) years, with censoring at transplant, the incidence of death was higher at profit vs nonprofit facilities (7.03 vs 4.06 per 100 person-years, respectively). Children treated at profit facilities had a 2.07-fold (95% CI, 1.83-2.35) higher risk of death compared with children at nonprofit facilities in adjusted analyses accounting for the competing risk of transplant. When follow-up was extended regardless of transplant status, the risk of death remained higher for children treated in profit facilities (hazard ratio, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.35-1.61). Lower access to transplant in profit facilities mediated 67% of the association between facility profit status and risk of death (95% CI, 45%-100%). Conclusions and Relevance Given the higher risk of death associated with profit dialysis facilities that is partially mediated by lower access to transplant, the study's findings indicate a need to identify root causes and targeted interventions that can improve mortality outcomes for children treated in these facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Ku
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Charles E. McCulloch
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Alexandra Bicki
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Isabelle Lopez
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Susan L. Furth
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Bradley A. Warady
- Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Division of Nephrology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Barbara A. Grimes
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Sandra Amaral
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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9
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Thongprayoon C, Tangpanithandee S, Jadlowiec CC, Mao SA, Mao MA, Vaitla P, Acharya PC, Leeaphorn N, Kaewput W, Pattharanitima P, Suppadungsuk S, Krisanapan P, Nissaisorakarn P, Cooper M, Craici IM, Cheungpasitporn W. Characteristics of Kidney Transplant Recipients with Prolonged Pre-Transplant Dialysis Duration as Identified by Machine Learning Consensus Clustering: Pathway to Personalized Care. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1273. [PMID: 37623523 PMCID: PMC10455164 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13081273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Longer pre-transplant dialysis duration is known to be associated with worse post-transplant outcomes. Our study aimed to cluster kidney transplant recipients with prolonged dialysis duration before transplant using an unsupervised machine learning approach to better assess heterogeneity within this cohort. We performed consensus cluster analysis based on recipient-, donor-, and transplant-related characteristics in 5092 kidney transplant recipients who had been on dialysis ≥ 10 years prior to transplant in the OPTN/UNOS database from 2010 to 2019. We characterized each assigned cluster and compared the posttransplant outcomes. Overall, the majority of patients with ≥10 years of dialysis duration were black (52%) or Hispanic (25%), with only a small number (17.6%) being moderately sensitized. Within this cohort, three clinically distinct clusters were identified. Cluster 1 patients were younger, non-diabetic and non-sensitized, had a lower body mass index (BMI) and received a kidney transplant from younger donors. Cluster 2 recipients were older, unsensitized and had a higher BMI; they received kidney transplant from older donors. Cluster 3 recipients were more likely to be female with a higher PRA. Compared to cluster 1, cluster 2 had lower 5-year death-censored graft (HR 1.40; 95% CI 1.16-1.71) and patient survival (HR 2.98; 95% CI 2.43-3.68). Clusters 1 and 3 had comparable death-censored graft and patient survival. Unsupervised machine learning was used to characterize kidney transplant recipients with prolonged pre-transplant dialysis into three clinically distinct clusters with variable but good post-transplant outcomes. Despite a dialysis duration ≥ 10 years, excellent outcomes were observed in most recipients, including those with moderate sensitization. A disproportionate number of minority recipients were observed within this cohort, suggesting multifactorial delays in accessing kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charat Thongprayoon
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (S.T.); (S.S.); (P.K.); (I.M.C.); (W.C.)
| | - Supawit Tangpanithandee
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (S.T.); (S.S.); (P.K.); (I.M.C.); (W.C.)
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
| | - Caroline C. Jadlowiec
- Division of Nephrology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
| | - Shennen A. Mao
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA;
| | - Michael A. Mao
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
| | - Pradeep Vaitla
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
| | - Prakrati C. Acharya
- Division of Nephrology, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, TX 79905, USA;
| | - Napat Leeaphorn
- Renal Transplant Program, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine/Saint Luke’s Health System, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA;
| | - Wisit Kaewput
- Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Pattharawin Pattharanitima
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand;
| | - Supawadee Suppadungsuk
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (S.T.); (S.S.); (P.K.); (I.M.C.); (W.C.)
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
| | - Pajaree Krisanapan
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (S.T.); (S.S.); (P.K.); (I.M.C.); (W.C.)
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand;
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Thammasat University Hospital, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Pitchaphon Nissaisorakarn
- Deparment of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Matthew Cooper
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
| | - Iasmina M. Craici
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (S.T.); (S.S.); (P.K.); (I.M.C.); (W.C.)
| | - Wisit Cheungpasitporn
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (S.T.); (S.S.); (P.K.); (I.M.C.); (W.C.)
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10
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Cron DC, Tsai TC, Patzer RE, Husain SA, Xiang L, Adler JT. The Association of Dialysis Facility Payer Mix With Access to Kidney Transplantation. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2322803. [PMID: 37432684 PMCID: PMC10336615 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.22803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Insurance coverage for patients with end-stage kidney disease has shifted toward more commercially insured patients at dialysis facilities. The associations among insurance status, facility-level payer mix, and access to kidney transplantation are unclear. Objective To determine the association of dialysis facility commercial payer mix and 1-year incidence of wait-listing for kidney transplantation, and to delineate the association of commercial insurance at the patient vs facility level. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective population-based cohort study used data from the United States Renal Data System from 2013 to 2018. Participants included patients aged 18 to 75 years initiating chronic dialysis between 2013 and 2017, excluding patients with a prior kidney transplant or with major contraindications to kidney transplant. Data were analyzed from August 2021 and May 2023. Exposure Dialysis facility commercial payer mix, calculated as the proportion of patients with commercial insurance per facility. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was patients added to a waiting list for kidney transplant within 1 year of dialysis initiation. Multivariable Cox regression, censoring for death, was used to adjust for patient-level (demographic, socioeconomic, and medical) and facility-level factors. Results A total of 233 003 patients (97 617 [41.9%] female patients; mean [SD] age, 58.0 [12.1] years) across 6565 facilities met inclusion criteria. Participants included 70 062 Black patients (30.1%), 42 820 Hispanic patients (18.4%), 105 368 White patients (45.2%), and 14 753 patients (6.3%) who identified as another race or ethnicity (eg, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and multiracial). Of 6565 dialysis facilities, the mean (SD) commercial payer mix was 21.2% (15.6 percentage points). Patient-level commercial insurance was associated with increased incidence of wait-listing (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.86; 95% CI, 1.80-1.93; P < .001). At the facility-level and before covariate adjustment, higher commercial payer mix was associated with increased wait-listing (fourth vs first payer mix quartile [Q]: HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.67-1.91; P < .001). However, after covariate-adjustment, including adjusting for patient-level insurance status, commercial payer mix was not significantly associated with outcome (Q4 vs Q1: aHR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.95-1.09; P = .60). Conclusions and Relevance In this national cohort study of patients newly initiated on chronic dialysis, although patient-level commercial insurance was associated with higher access to the kidney transplant waiting lists, there was no independent association of facility-level commercial payer mix with patients being added to waiting lists for transplant. As the landscape of insurance coverage for dialysis evolves, the potential downstream impact on access to kidney transplant should be monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Cron
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas C. Tsai
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel E. Patzer
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Medicine, Emory Medical School, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Syed A. Husain
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
- The Columbia University Renal Epidemiology Group, New York, New York
| | - Lingwei Xiang
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joel T. Adler
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, Austin
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11
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Yohanna S, Naylor KL, Luo B, Dixon SN, Bota SE, Kim SJ, Blake PG, Elliott L, Cooper R, Knoll GA, Treleaven D, Wang C, Garg AX. Variation in Kidney Transplant Referral Across Chronic Kidney Disease Programs in Ontario, Canada. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2023; 10:20543581231169608. [PMID: 37359986 PMCID: PMC10286544 DOI: 10.1177/20543581231169608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Eligible patients with kidney failure should have equal access to kidney transplantation. Transplant referral is the first crucial step toward receiving a kidney transplant; however, studies suggest substantial variation in the rate of kidney transplant referral across regions. The province of Ontario, Canada, has a public, single-payer health care system with 27 regional chronic kidney disease (CKD) programs. The probability of being referred for kidney transplant may not be equal across CKD programs. Objective To determine whether there is variability in kidney transplant referral rates across Ontario's CKD programs. Design Population-based cohort study using linked administrative health care databases from January 1, 2013, to November 1, 2016. Setting Twenty-seven regional CKD programs in the province of Ontario, Canada. Patients Patients approaching the need for dialysis (advanced CKD) and patients receiving maintenance dialysis (maximum follow-up: November 1, 2017). Measurements Kidney transplant referral. Methods We calculated the 1-year unadjusted cumulative probability of kidney transplant referral for Ontario's 27 CKD programs using the complement of Kaplan-Meier estimator. We calculated standardized referral ratios (SRRs) for each CKD program, using expected referrals from a 2-staged Cox proportional hazards model, adjusting for patient characteristics in the first stage. Standardized referral ratios with a value less than 1 were below the provincial average (maximum possible follow-up of 4 years 10 months). In an additional analysis, we grouped CKD programs according to 5 geographic regions. Results Among 8641 patients with advanced CKD, the 1-year cumulative probability of kidney transplant referral ranged from 0.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2%-3.7%) to 21.0% (95% CI: 17.5%-25.2%) across the 27 CKD programs. The adjusted SRR ranged from 0.2 (95% CI: 0.1-0.4) to 4.2 (95% CI: 2.1-7.5). Among 6852 patients receiving maintenance dialysis, the 1-year cumulative probability of transplant referral ranged from 6.4% (95% CI: 4.0%-10.2%) to 34.5% (95% CI: 29.5%-40.1%) across CKD programs. The adjusted SRR ranged from 0.2 (95% CI: 0.1-0.3) to 1.8 (95% CI: 1.6-2.1). When we grouped CKD programs according to geographic region, we found that patients residing in Northern regions had a substantially lower 1-year cumulative probability of transplant referral. Limitations Our cumulative probability estimates only captured referrals within the first year of advanced CKD or maintenance dialysis initiation. Conclusions There is marked variability in the probability of kidney transplant referral across CKD programs operating in a publicly funded health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyla L. Naylor
- ICES, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Bin Luo
- ICES, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie N. Dixon
- ICES, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah E. Bota
- ICES, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - S. Joseph Kim
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter G. Blake
- Ontario Renal Network, Ontario Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Nephrology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lori Elliott
- Ontario Renal Network, Ontario Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Cooper
- Ontario Renal Network and Trillium Gift of Life Network, Ontario Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory A. Knoll
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Darin Treleaven
- Division of Nephrology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Carol Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Amit X. Garg
- ICES, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
- Division of Nephrology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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12
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Patzer RE, Adler JT, Harding JL, Huml A, Kim I, Ladin K, Martins PN, Mohan S, Ross-Driscoll K, Pastan SO. A Population Health Approach to Transplant Access: Challenging the Status Quo. Am J Kidney Dis 2022; 80:406-415. [PMID: 35227824 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2022.01.422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Transplant referral and evaluation are critical steps to waitlisting yet remain an elusive part of the transplant process. Despite calls for more data collection on pre-waitlisting steps, there are currently no national surveillance data to aid in understanding the causes and potential solutions for the extreme variation in access to transplantation. As population health scientists, epidemiologists, clinicians, and ethicists we submit that the transplant community has an obligation to better understand disparities in transplant access as a first necessary step to effectively mitigating these inequities. Our position is grounded in a population health approach, consistent with several new overarching national policy and quality initiatives. The purpose of this Perspective is to (1) provide an overview of how a population health approach should inform current multisystem policies impacting kidney transplantation and demonstrate how these efforts could be enhanced with national data collection on pre-waitlisting steps; (2) demonstrate the feasibility and concrete next steps for pre-waitlisting data collection; and (3) identify potential opportunities to use these data to implement effective population-level interventions, policies, and quality measures to improve equity in access to kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Patzer
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Joel T Adler
- Department of Surgery, Division of Organ Transplantation, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts; Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jessica L Harding
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Anne Huml
- Case Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Irene Kim
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Keren Ladin
- Departments of Occupational Therapy and Community Health, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts; Research on Ethics, Aging, and Community Health (REACH Lab), Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Paulo N Martins
- Department of Surgery, Division of Organ Transplantation, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Sumit Mohan
- Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Katie Ross-Driscoll
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stephen O Pastan
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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13
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Wang C, Naylor KL, Luo B, Bota SE, Dixon SN, Yohanna S, Treleaven D, Elliott L, Garg AX. Using Administrative Health Care Databases to Identify Patients With End-Stage Kidney Disease With No Recorded Contraindication to Receiving a Kidney Transplant. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2022; 9:20543581221111712. [PMID: 35898578 PMCID: PMC9309776 DOI: 10.1177/20543581221111712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Administrative health care databases can be efficiently analyzed to describe the degree to which patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) have access to kidney transplantation. Measures of access to transplantation are better represented when restricting to only those patients eligible to receive a kidney transplant. The way administrative data can be used to assess kidney transplant eligibility in the absence of clinical data has not been well described. Objective To demonstrate a method that uses administrative health care databases to identify patients with ESKD who have no recorded contraindication to receiving a kidney transplant. Design and setting Population-based cohort study using linked administrative health care databases in Ontario, Canada. Patients Adult patients with ESKD approaching the need for dialysis (predialysis) or receiving maintenance dialysis between January 1, 2013 and March 31, 2015 in Ontario, Canada. Measurements Recipient of a kidney-only or kidney-pancreas transplant. Methods We assessed more than 80 baseline characteristics, including demographic information, comorbidities, kidney-specific characteristics, and referral and listing criteria for kidney transplantation. We compared these characteristics between patients who did and did not receive a kidney transplant. Results We included 23 642 patients with ESKD (11 195 who were predialysis and 12 447 receiving maintenance dialysis). Over a median follow-up of 3.2 years (25th, 75th percentile: 1.3, 5.6), 3215 (13.6%) received a kidney-only or kidney-pancreas transplant. Of the studied characteristics available in administrative databases, >97% of patients with one or more of these characteristics did not receive a kidney transplant during follow-up: ESKD-modified Charlson Comorbidity Index score ≥7 (a higher score represents greater comorbidity), home oxygen use, age above 75 years, dementia, living in a long-term care facility, receiving at least one physician house call in the past year, and a combination of select malignancies (ie, lung, lymphoma, cervical, colorectal, liver, active multiple myeloma, and bladder cancer). Using these combined criteria reduced the total number of patients from 23 642 to 12 539 with no recorded contraindications to transplant (a 47% reduction), while the proportion who received a kidney transplant changed from 13.6% (denominator of 23 642) to 24.9% (denominator of 12 539). Limitations Administrative databases are unable to capture all the complexities of determining transplant eligibility. Conclusion We identified several criteria available within administrative health care databases that can be used to identify patients with ESKD who have no recorded contraindications to kidney transplant. These criteria could be applied when reporting measures of access to kidney transplantation that require knowledge of transplant eligibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,London Health Sciences Center, Victoria Hospital, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kyla L Naylor
- ICES, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Stephanie N Dixon
- ICES, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Darin Treleaven
- Division of Nephrology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lori Elliott
- Ontario Renal Network, Ontario Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Amit X Garg
- Division of Nephrology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,ICES, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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14
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Hendrickson MJ, Arora S, Chew C, Sharma M, Yeung M, Fonarow GC, Yancy C, Byku M. Contemporary Trends and Comparison of Racial Differences in Hospitalizations of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease. Am J Cardiol 2022; 175:110-118. [PMID: 35589425 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2022.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As advancements in care improve longevity in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), it is crucial to further characterize this rapidly growing adult population. It is also essential that equitable care is offered across demographic groups. Hospitalizations for adults with CHD in the National Inpatient Sample were identified to describe trends in overall and cause-specific rates of admission per 1,000 adults with CHD from 2000 to 2018. Primary admission causes were then analyzed and stratified by race. An aggregate rate of left-ventricular assist device placements and heart transplants was calculated for each group and trended over the years. A total of 1,562,001 weighted hospitalizations were identified. Overall, annual rates of hospital admissions increased from 39 per 1,000 adults with CHD in 2000 to 74 per 1,000 in 2018, as did rates of cardiovascular admissions (16 of 1,000 to 34 of 1,000, p <0.001 for both). Transient ischemic attack/stroke (2.5 of 1,000 to 10.7 of 1,000), coronary artery disease (4.1 of 1,000 to 5.6 of 1,000), arrhythmias (2.8 of 1,000 to 4.6 of 1,000), and heart failure (2.8 of 1,000 to 5.0 of 1,000) were the most common cardiovascular primary causes of admission (other than CHD itself), and each significantly increased over time (p <0.001 for each). Mean age at all-cause and primary heart failure hospitalization increased for all races but remained 7 to 9 years younger for Black and Hispanic adults than White adults. In conclusion, hospitalization rates of adults with CHD in the United States increased from 2000 to 2018, largely driven by an increase in adults ≥55 years. Although the age at hospitalization increased overall, Black and Hispanic patients were substantially younger at presentation for advanced heart failure. Anticoagulation guidelines in this population may need revisiting as transient ischemic attack/stroke hospitalizations were frequent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Hendrickson
- Department on Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chaple Hill, North Carolina
| | - Sameer Arora
- Division of Cardiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Christopher Chew
- Department on Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chaple Hill, North Carolina
| | - Mahesh Sharma
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Michael Yeung
- Division of Cardiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Gregg C Fonarow
- Division of Cardiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Clyde Yancy
- Division of Cardiology, Northwestern Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mirnela Byku
- Division of Cardiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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15
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McGill RL, Saunders MR, Hayward AL, Chapman AB. Health Disparities in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) in the United States. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 17:976-985. [PMID: 35725555 PMCID: PMC9269641 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.00840122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) occurs at conception and is often diagnosed decades prior to kidney failure. Nephrology care and transplantation access should be independent of race and ethnicity. However, institutional racism and barriers to health care may affect patient outcomes in ADPKD. We sought to ascertain the effect of health disparities on outcomes in ADPKD by examining age at onset of kidney failure and access to preemptive transplantation and transplantation after dialysis initiation. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Retrospective cohort analyses of adults with ADPKD in the United States Renal Data System from January 2000 to June 2018 were merged to US Census income data and evaluated by self-reported race and ethnicity. Age at kidney failure was analyzed in a linear model, and transplant rates before and after dialysis initiation were analyzed in logistic and proportional hazards models in Black and Hispanic patients with ADPKD compared with White patients with ADPKD. RESULTS A total of 41,485 patients with ADPKD were followed for a median of 25 (interquartile range, 5-54) months. Mean age was 56±12 years; 46% were women, 13% were Black, and 10% were Hispanic. Mean ages at kidney failure were 55±13, 53±12, and 57±12 years for Black patients, Hispanic patients, and White patients, respectively. Odds ratios for preemptive transplant were 0.33 (95% confidence interval, 0.29 to 0.38) for Black patients and 0.50 (95% confidence interval, 0.44 to 0.56) for Hispanic patients compared with White patients. Transplant after dialysis initiation was 0.61 (95% confidence interval, 0.58 to 0.64) for Black patients and 0.78 (95% confidence interval, 0.74 to 0.83) for Hispanic patients. CONCLUSIONS Black and Hispanic patients with ADPKD reach kidney failure earlier and are less likely to receive a kidney transplant preemptively and after initiating dialysis compared with White patients with ADPKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita L McGill
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Milda R Saunders
- Section of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Arlene B Chapman
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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16
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Gender Disparities in Kidney Transplantation Referral Vary by Age and Race – A Multi-Regional Cohort Study in the Southeast US. Kidney Int Rep 2022; 7:1248-1257. [PMID: 35694555 PMCID: PMC9174037 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2022.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Methods Results Conclusion
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17
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Adler RR, Smith RN, Fowler KJ, Gates J, Jefferson NM, Adler JT, Patzer RE. Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR): An Underutilized Approach to Address Surgical Disparities. Ann Surg 2022; 275:496-499. [PMID: 34913903 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Disparities are well-documented across the continuum of surgical care. Counteracting such disparities requires new multidisciplinary approaches that utilize the expertise of affected individuals, such as community-based participatory research (CBPR). CBPR is an approach to research that is anchored in equitable, sustainable community-academic partnerships, and has been shown to improve intervention implementation and outcomes. In this article, community stakeholders and researchers outline the principles and benefits of CBPR, examples of CBPR in trauma and transplant, and future directions for CBPR within surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R Adler
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Randi N Smith
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | | | | | | | - Joel T Adler
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Rachel E Patzer
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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18
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Adekunle RO, Zhang R, Wang Z, Patzer RE, Mehta AK. Early steps to kidney transplantation among persons with HIV and end-stage renal disease in ESRD network 6. Transpl Infect Dis 2022; 24:e13767. [PMID: 34813136 PMCID: PMC8825692 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION End-stage renal disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in persons with HIV (PWH). Limited data exist on access to kidney transplantation for this population. METHODS A dataset inclusive of incident dialysis patients between 2012 and 2016 with follow-up through December 2017 that identifies PWH and the general dialysis population of Network 6 (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina) was created through merging the United States Renal Data System with the southeastern early transplant access registry. Early steps to kidney transplantation and patient and dialysis facility-level characteristics that serve as barriers to transplantation were described. RESULTS Twenty-three thousand four hundred fourteen patients were identified; 469 were PWH. Compared to non-HIV individuals, PWH were younger (49 vs. 58 years, p < 0.001), predominantly Black (87% vs. 56% p < 0.001) and male (72% vs. 56% p < 0.001). PWH were less likely to be referred to kidney transplant within 1 year of starting dialysis (36% vs. 41% p < 0.001) and waitlisted within 1 year of evaluation-start (14% vs. 30%, p = 0.05). PWH (vs. non-PWH) waited longer for referral, evaluation-start, and waitlisting and in multivariable analysis; HIV positivity was associated with a lower probability of referral (hazard ratios [HR]: 0.70; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.62-0.80), evaluation (HR 0.66; 95% CI: 0.55-0.80), and waitlisting (HR 0.29; 95% CI: 0.20-0.41). CONCLUSIONS Targeted interventions are needed to improve access to kidney transplants, particularly in waitlisting, for PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth O Adekunle
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Rebecca Zhang
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zhengsheng Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rachel E Patzer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Aneesh K Mehta
- Department of Biostatistics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia Emory Transplant Center, Atlanta, Georgia,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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19
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Couchoud C, Bayer F, Rabilloud M, Ayav C, Bayat S, Bechade C, Brunet P, Gomis S, Savoye E, Moranne O, Lobbedez T, Ecochard R. Effect of age and care organization on sources of variation in kidney transplant waiting list registration. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:3608-3617. [PMID: 34008288 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Despite national guidelines, medical practices and kidney transplant waiting list registration policies may differ from one dialysis/transplant unit to another. Benefit risk assessment variations, especially for elderly patients, have also been described. The aim of this study was to identify sources of variation in early kidney transplant waiting list registration in France. Among 16 842 incident patients during the period 2016-2017, 4386 were registered on the kidney transplant waiting list at the start of, or during the first year after starting, dialysis (26%). We developed various log-linear mixed effect regression models on three levels: patients, dialysis networks, and transplant centers. Variability was expressed as variance from the random intercepts (± standard error). Although patient characteristics have an important impact on the likelihood of registration, the overall magnitude of variability in registration was low and shared by dialysis networks and transplant centers. Between-transplant center variability (0.23 ± 0.08) was 1.8 higher than between-dialysis network variability (0.13 ± 0.004). Older age was associated with a lower probability of registration and greater variability between networks (0.04, 0.20, & 0.93 in the 18-64, 65-74, and 75-84 age groups). Targeted interventions should focus on elderly patients and/or certain regions with greater variability in waiting list access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Couchoud
- REIN registry, Agence de la biomédecine, Saint-Denis La Plaine, France.,CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Equipe Biostatistique Santé, Université Lyon I, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Florian Bayer
- REIN registry, Agence de la biomédecine, Saint-Denis La Plaine, France
| | - Muriel Rabilloud
- CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Equipe Biostatistique Santé, Université Lyon I, Villeurbanne, France.,Service de Biostatistique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Carole Ayav
- INSERM, CIC, Epidémiologie Clinique, CHRU-Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Sahar Bayat
- EHESP, REPERES (Recherche en pharmaco-épidémiologie et recours aux soins) - EA 7449, Université Rennes, Rennes, France
| | | | - Philippe Brunet
- Nephrology Department, APHM University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Sebastien Gomis
- Nephrology Department, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Emilie Savoye
- Direction Prélèvement Greffe Organes-Tissus, Agence de la biomédecine, Saint-Denis La Plaine, France
| | - Olivier Moranne
- Nephrology-Dialysis-Apheresis Department, Nîmes University Hospital, Nîmes, France
| | | | - Rene Ecochard
- CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Equipe Biostatistique Santé, Université Lyon I, Villeurbanne, France.,Service de Biostatistique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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20
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Community Engagement to Improve Equity in Kidney Transplantation from the Ground Up: the Southeastern Kidney Transplant Coalition. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2021; 8:324-332. [DOI: 10.1007/s40472-021-00346-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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21
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The dialysis facility levels and sizes are associated with outcomes of incident hemodialysis patients. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20560. [PMID: 34663846 PMCID: PMC8523705 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00177-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The outcomes of patients with incident kidney failure who start hemodialysis are influenced by several factors. Whether hemodialysis facility characteristics are associated with patient outcomes is unclear. We included adults diagnosed as having kidney failure requiring hemodialysis during January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2013 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to perform this retrospective cohort study. The exposures included different sizes and levels of hemodialysis facilities. The outcomes were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, infection-related death, hospitalization, and kidney transplantation. During 2001-2013, we identified 74,406 patients and divided them in to three groups according to the facilities where they receive hemodialysis: medical center (n = 8263), non-center hospital (n = 40,008), and clinic (n = 26,135). The multivariable Cox model demonstrated that a larger facility size was associated with a low mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] 0.991, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.984-0.998; every 20 beds per facility). Compared with medical centers, patients in non-center hospitals and clinics had higher mortality risks (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.09-1.17 and HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06-1.15, respectively). Patients in medical centers and non-center hospitals had higher risk of hospitalization (subdistribution HR [SHR] 1.11, 95% CI 1.10-1.12 and SHR 1.22, 95% CI 1.21-1.23, respectively). Patients in medical centers had the highest rate of kidney transplantation among the three groups. In patients with incident kidney failure, a larger hemodialysis facility size was associated with lower mortality. Overall, medical center patients had a lower mortality rate and higher transplantation rate, whereas clinic patients had a lower hospitalization risk.
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22
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Non-medical barriers in access to early steps of kidney transplantation in the United States - A scoping review. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2021; 35:100654. [PMID: 34597944 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2021.100654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States (US), barriers in access to later steps in the kidney transplantation process (i.e. waitlisting) have been well documented. Barriers in access to earlier steps (i.e. referral and evaluation) are less well described due to the lack of national surveillance data. In this review, we summarize the available literature on non-medical barriers in access to kidney transplant referral and evaluation. METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a scoping review of the literature through June 3, 2021. We included all studies (quantitative and qualitative) reporting on barriers to kidney transplant referral and evaluation in the US published from 1990 onwards in English and among adult end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42014015027). We narratively synthesized results across studies. RESULTS We retrieved information from 33 studies published from 1990 to 2021 (reporting data between 1990 and 2018). Most studies (n = 28, 85%) described barriers among patient populations, three (9%) among provider populations, and two (6%) included both patients and providers. Key barriers were identified across multiple levels and included patient- (e.g. demographic, socioeconomic, sociocultural, and knowledge), provider- (e.g. miscommunication, staff availability, provider perceptions and attitudes), and system- (e.g. geography, distance to care, healthcare logistics) level factors. CONCLUSIONS A multi-pronged approach (e.g. targeted and systemwide interventions, and policy change) implemented at multiple levels of the healthcare system will be necessary to reduce identified barriers in access to early kidney transplant steps. Collection of national surveillance data on these early kidney transplant steps is also needed to enhance our understanding of barriers to referral and evaluation.
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23
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Harding JL, Perez A, Patzer RE. Nonmedical barriers to early steps in kidney transplantation among underrepresented groups in the United States. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2021; 26:501-507. [PMID: 34310358 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite numerous targeted interventions and policy reforms, underrepresented minorities and patients with low socioeconomic status (SES) continue to have unequal access to kidney transplant. In this review, we summarize the most recent evidence on barriers to early kidney transplant steps (i.e. referral and evaluation) among underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities and low SES groups in the United States. RECENT FINDINGS This review highlights the interconnectedness of several patient-level (e.g. medical mistrust, transplant knowledge, access to care), provider-level (e.g. dialysis profit status, patient--provider communication; staff accessibility), and system-level (e.g. center-specific criteria, healthcare logistics, neighborhood poverty, healthcare logistics) factors associated with lower rates of referral and evaluation among underrepresented minorities and low SES groups, and the influence of systemic racism operating at all levels. SUMMARY Collection of national surveillance data on early transplant steps, as well as routinely captured data on upstream social determinants of health, including the measurement of racism rather than race, is necessary to enhance our understanding of barriers to referral and evaluation. A multipronged approach (e.g. targeted and systemwide interventions, and policy change) implemented at multiple levels of the healthcare system will be necessary to reduce disparities in early transplant steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Harding
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
- Health Services Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Rachel E Patzer
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
- Health Services Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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24
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Adler JT, Xiang L, Weissman JS, Rodrigue JR, Patzer RE, Waikar SS, Tsai TC. Association of Public Reporting of Medicare Dialysis Facility Quality Ratings With Access to Kidney Transplantation. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2126719. [PMID: 34559227 PMCID: PMC8463939 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.26719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Improving the quality of dialysis care and access to kidney transplantation for patients with end-stage kidney disease is a national clinical and policy priority. The role of dialysis facility quality in increasing access to kidney transplantation is not known. OBJECTIVE To determine whether patient, facility, and kidney transplant waitlisting characteristics are associated with variations in dialysis center quality. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based cohort study is an analysis of US Renal Data System data and Medicare Dialysis Facility Compare (DFC) data from 2013 to 2018. Participants included all adult (aged ≥18 years) patients in the US Renal Data System beginning long-term dialysis in the US from 2013 to 2017 with follow-up through the end of 2018. Patients with a prior kidney transplant and matched Medicare DFC star ratings to each annual cohort of recipients were excluded. Patients at facilities without a star rating in that year were also excluded. Data analysis was performed from January to April 2021. EXPOSURES Dialysis center quality, as defined by Medicare DFC star ratings. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was the proportion of patients undergoing incident dialysis who were waitlisted within 1 year of dialysis initiation. Secondary outcomes were patient and facility characteristics. RESULTS Of 507 581 patients beginning long-term dialysis in the US from 2013 to 2017, 291 802 (57.4%) were male, 266 517 (52.5%) were White, and the median (interquartile range) age was 65 (55-75) years. Of 5869 dialysis facilities in 2017, 132 (2.2%) were 1-star, 436 (7.4%) were 2-star, 2047 (34.9%) were 3-star, 1660 (28.3%) were 4-star, and 1594 (27.2%) were 5-star. Higher-quality dialysis facilities were associated with 47% higher odds of transplant waitlisting (odds ratio [OR], 1.47; 95% CI, 1.39-1.57 for 5-star facilities vs 1-star facilities; P < .001). Black patients were less likely than White patients to be waitlisted for transplantation (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.72-0.76). In addition, patients at for-profit (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.74-0.81) and rural (OR, 0.63; 95%, CI 0.58-0.68) facilities were less likely to be waitlisted for transplantation compared with those at nonprofit and urban facilities, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study, patients at higher-quality dialysis facilities had higher odds than patients at lower-quality facilities of being waitlisted for kidney transplantation within 1 year. Waitlisting rates for kidney transplantation should be considered for integration into the current Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services DFC star ratings to incentivize dialysis facility referral to transplant centers, inform patient choice, and drive quality improvement by increasing transplant waitlisting rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel T. Adler
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lingwei Xiang
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joel S. Weissman
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James R. Rodrigue
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel E. Patzer
- Department of Surgery, Emory Medical School, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Medicine, Emory Medical School, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sushrut S. Waikar
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas C. Tsai
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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25
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Redeker S, Massey EK, Boonstra C, van Busschbach JJ, Timman R, Brulez HFH, Hollander DAAMJ, Hilbrands LB, Bemelman F, Berger SP, van de Wetering J, van den Dorpel RMA, Dekker-Jansen M, Weimar W, Ismail SY. Implementation of the Kidney Team at Home Intervention: Evaluating Generalizability, Implementation Process, and Effects. Transpl Int 2021; 34:2317-2328. [PMID: 34390041 PMCID: PMC9292401 DOI: 10.1111/tri.14011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Research has shown that a home-based educational intervention for patients with chronic kidney disease results in better knowledge and communication, and more living donor kidney transplantations (LDKT). Implementation research in the field of renal care is almost non-existent. The aims of this study were (1) to demonstrate generalizability, (2) evaluate the implementation process, and (3) to assess the relationship of intervention effects on LDKT-activity. Eight hospitals participated in the project. Patients eligible for all kidney replacement therapies (KRT) were invited to participate. Effect outcomes were KRT-knowledge and KRT-communication, and treatment choice. Feasibility, fidelity and intervention costs were assessed as part of the process evaluation. 332 patients completed the intervention. There was a significant increase in KRT-knowledge and KRT-communication among participants. 129 out of 332 patients (39%) had LDKT-activity, which was in line with the results of the clinical trials. Protocol adherence, knowledge and age were correlated with LDKT-activity. This unique implementation study shows that the results in practice are comparable to the previous trials, and show that the intervention can be implemented, while maintaining quality. Results from the project resulted in the uptake of the intervention in standard care. We urge other countries to investigate the uptake of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steef Redeker
- Erasmus Medical Center, Section of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Emma K Massey
- Erasmus Medical Center, Section of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Boonstra
- Netherlands Institute for Personality Disorders, De Viersprong, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan J van Busschbach
- Erasmus Medical Center, Section of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Reinier Timman
- Erasmus Medical Center, Section of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Luuk B Hilbrands
- Radboud university medical center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Frederike Bemelman
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Nephrology, Division of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan P Berger
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Internal Medicine, the Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline van de Wetering
- Erasmus Medical Center, Section of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Willem Weimar
- Erasmus Medical Center, Section of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, the Netherlands
| | - Sohal Y Ismail
- Erasmus Medical Center, Section of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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26
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Ethics of Organ Transplantation in Persons with Intellectual Disability. J Pediatr 2021; 235:6-9. [PMID: 34029600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Historically, individuals with intellectual disability and end-stage organ disease were discriminated against by transplant professionals and often excluded from transplantation waitlists. Despite antidiscrimination legislation, some transplant programs continue to include intellectual disability as a relative, if not an absolute, contraindication to listing for an organ; this is true for both pediatric and adult individuals in end-stage organ disease. This commentary opposes the absolute exclusion of patients with intellectual disability and end-stage organ disease from transplantation waitlists provided that the candidates are expected to gain a predefined minimum benefit threshold of life-years and quality-adjusted-life years. Intellectual disability is one of many factors that should be considered in determining transplant eligibility and each candidate should have an individualized interdisciplinary assessment.
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27
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Nguyen T, Sise ME, Delgado C, Williams W, Reese P, Goldberg D. Race, Education, and Gender Disparities in Transplantation of Kidneys From Hepatitis C Viremic Donors. Transplantation 2021; 105:1850-1857. [PMID: 33141804 PMCID: PMC8842824 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplantation of kidneys from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-viremic donors into HCV-negative patients followed by direct-acting antiviral therapy was an important breakthrough to increase the number of life-saving kidney transplants. Data suggest that these transplants offer several benefits; however, it is unknown whether adoption of this practice has been shared equitably, especially among disadvantaged groups. METHODS We evaluated United Network for Organ Sharing data on HCV-seronegative adult deceased-donor kidney transplant recipients from January 1, 2017, to June 12, 2020. We compared recipients of a kidney from an HCV antibody- (Ab-)/nucleic acid test- (NAT-), HCV Ab+/NAT-, and HCV NAT+ donor. The primary covariates were as follows: (1) race/ethnicity; (2) female sex; and (3) highest level of education. Models included variables associated with being offered an HCV NAT+ kidney. We fit mixed-effects multinomial logistic regression models with the center as a random effect to account for patient clustering. RESULTS Of 48 255 adult kidney-alone deceased-donor kidney transplant HCV-seronegative recipients, 1641 (3.4%) donors were HCV NAT+-, increasing from 0.3% (January 2017-June 2017) to 6.9% (January 2020-June 2020). In multivariable models, racial/ethnic minorities, women, and those with less education were significantly less likely to receive a kidney from an HCV NAT+ donor relative to an HCV Ab-/NAT- and HCV Ab+/NAT- donor. The disparities were most pronounced among Hispanic and Asian patients with less educational attainment (grade school, high school, or some college/tech school). CONCLUSIONS Despite an increase in transplants from HCV NAT+ donors, we found substantial racial/ethnic disparities in transplantation of these kidneys. These data highlight how the benefits of a scientific breakthrough are often made less available to disadvantaged patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Meghan E. Sise
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Cindy Delgado
- Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Winfred Williams
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Peter Reese
- Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - David Goldberg
- Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
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28
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Schold JD, Huml AM, Poggio ED, Sedor JR, Husain SA, King KL, Mohan S. Patients with High Priority for Kidney Transplant Who Are Not Given Expedited Placement on the Transplant Waiting List Represent Lost Opportunities. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:1733-1746. [PMID: 34140398 PMCID: PMC8425662 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020081146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kidney transplantation is associated with the best outcomes for most patients with ESKD. The national Kidney Allocation System prioritizes patients with Estimated Post-Transplant Survival (EPTS) scores in the top 20% for expedited access to optimal deceased donor kidneys. METHODS We studied adults aged ≥18 years in the United States Renal Data System with top 20% EPTS scores who had been preemptively waitlisted or initiated dialysis in 2015-2017. We evaluated time to waitlist placement, transplantation, and mortality with unadjusted and multivariable survival models. RESULTS Of 42,445 patients with top 20% EPTS scores (mean age, 38.0 years; 57% male; 59% White patients, and 31% Black patients), 7922 were preemptively waitlisted. Among 34,523 patients initiating dialysis, the 3-year cumulative waitlist placement incidence was 37%. Numerous factors independently associated with waitlisting included race, income, and having noncommercial insurance. For example, waitlisting was less likely for Black versus White patients, and for patients in the lowest-income neighborhoods versus those in the highest-income neighborhoods. Among patients initiating dialysis, 61% lost their top 20% EPTS status within 30 months versus 18% of patients who were preemptively listed. The 3-year incidence of deceased and living donor transplantation was 5% and 6%, respectively, for patients who initiated dialysis and 26% and 44%, respectively, for patients who were preemptively listed. CONCLUSIONS Many patients with ESKDqualifying with top 20% EPTS status are not placed on the transplant waiting list in a timely manner, with significant variation on the basis of demographic and social factors. Patients who are preemptively listed are more likely to receive benefits of top 20% EPTS status. Efforts to expedite care for qualifying candidates are needed, and automated transplant referral for patients with the best prognoses should be considered. PODCAST This article contains a podcast athttps://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/JASN/2021_07_30_JASN2020081146.mp3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D. Schold
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio,Center for Populations Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Anne M. Huml
- Department of Nephrology and Hyptertension, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Emilio D. Poggio
- Department of Nephrology and Hyptertension, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - John R. Sedor
- Department of Nephrology and Hyptertension, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio,Department Immunology and Inflammation, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Syed A. Husain
- Division of Nephrology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York,The Columbia University Renal Epidemiology Group, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Kristin L. King
- Division of Nephrology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York,The Columbia University Renal Epidemiology Group, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Sumit Mohan
- Division of Nephrology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York,The Columbia University Renal Epidemiology Group, Columbia University, New York, New York
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29
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Raghavan D, Hall IE. Dialysis and Transplant Access: Kidney Capitalism at a Crossroads? Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 16:846-847. [PMID: 34039567 PMCID: PMC8216608 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.04680421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Divya Raghavan
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
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30
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Schold JD, Mohan S, Huml A, Buccini LD, Sedor JR, Augustine JJ, Poggio ED. Failure to Advance Access to Kidney Transplantation over Two Decades in the United States. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:913-926. [PMID: 33574159 PMCID: PMC8017535 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020060888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive research and policies have been developed to improve access to kidney transplantation among patients with ESKD. Despite this, wide variation in transplant referral rates exists between dialysis facilities. METHODS To evaluate the longitudinal pattern of access to kidney transplantation over the past two decades, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with ESKD initiating ESKD or placed on a transplant waiting list from 1997 to 2016 in the United States Renal Data System. We used cumulative incidence models accounting for competing risks and multivariable Cox models to evaluate time to waiting list placement or transplantation (WLT) from ESKD onset. RESULTS Among the study population of 1,309,998 adult patients, cumulative 4-year WLT was 29.7%, which was unchanged over five eras. Preemptive WLT (prior to dialysis) increased by era (5.2% in 1997-2000 to 9.8% in 2013-2016), as did 4-year WLT incidence among patients aged 60-70 (13.4% in 1997-2000 to 19.8% in 2013-2016). Four-year WLT incidence diminished among patients aged 18-39 (55.8%-48.8%). Incidence of WLT was substantially lower among patients in lower-income communities, with no improvement over time. Likelihood of WLT after dialysis significantly declined over time (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.79 to 0.82) in 2013-2016 relative to 1997-2000. CONCLUSIONS Despite wide recognition, policy reforms, and extensive research, rates of WLT following ESKD onset did not seem to improve in more than two decades and were consistently reduced among vulnerable populations. Improving access to transplantation may require more substantial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D. Schold
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio,Center for Populations Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sumit Mohan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Anne Huml
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Laura D. Buccini
- Center for Populations Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - John R. Sedor
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Emilio D. Poggio
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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31
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Abstract
Obesity has a fundamental role in driving the global kidney disease burden. The perplexing relationship of obesity with chronic kidney disease remains debated. However, a thorough understanding of the interplay of obesity in conjunction with chronic kidney disease and appropriate management options is lacking, leading to further increases in morbidity and mortality. Moreover, underutilization of bariatric procedures and unrealistic expectations of weight reduction based on body mass index, leading to poor access to kidney transplantation, are fueling the fire. In this review, we summarize the available data related to the obesity and chronic kidney disease association and its novel management options.
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32
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Butler CR, Wightman A, Richards CA, Laundry RS, Taylor JS, Hebert PL, Liu CF, O'Hare AM. Thematic Analysis of the Health Records of a National Sample of US Veterans With Advanced Kidney Disease Evaluated for Transplant. JAMA Intern Med 2021; 181:212-219. [PMID: 33226419 PMCID: PMC7684522 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.6388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE To be considered for a kidney transplant, patients with advanced kidney disease must participate in a formal evaluation and selection process. Little is known about how this process proceeds in real-world clinical settings. OBJECTIVE To characterize the transplant evaluation process among a representative national sample of US veterans with advanced kidney disease who were referred to a kidney transplant center. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This qualitative study was a thematic analysis of clinician notes in the electronic health records of US veterans referred for kidney transplant evaluation. In a random sample of 4000 patients with advanced kidney disease between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2014, cared for in the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system, there were 211 patients who were referred to a transplant center during the follow-up period. This group was included in the qualitative analysis and was followed up until their date of death or the end of the follow-up period on October 8, 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Dominant themes pertaining to the kidney transplant evaluation and selection process identified through thematic analysis. RESULTS Among 211 study patients, the mean (SD) age was 57.9 (9.5) years, and 202 patients (95.7%) were male. The following 4 dominant themes regarding the transplant evaluation process emerged: (1) far-reaching and inflexible medical evaluation, in which patients were expected to complete an extensive evaluation that could have substantial physical and emotional consequences, made little accommodation for their personal values and needs, and impacted other aspects of their care; (2) psychosocial valuation, in which the psychosocial component of the transplant assessment could be subjective and intrusive and could place substantial demands on patients' family members; (3) surveillance over compliance, in which the patients' ability and willingness to follow medical recommendations was an important criterion for transplant candidacy and their adherence to a wide range of recommendations and treatments was closely monitored; and (4) disempowerment and lack of transparency, in which patients and their local clinicians were often unsure about what to expect during the evaluation process or about the rationale for selection decisions. For the evaluation process to proceed, local clinicians had to follow transplant center requirements even when they believed the requirements did not align with best practices or the patients' needs. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this qualitative study of US veterans with advanced kidney disease evaluated for transplant, clinician documentation in the medical record indicated that, to be considered for a kidney transplant, patients were required to participate in a rigid, demanding, and opaque evaluation and selection process over which they and their local clinicians had little control. These findings highlight the need for a more evidence-based, individualized, and collaborative approach to kidney transplant evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine R Butler
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle.,Hospital and Specialty Medicine, Geriatrics and Extended Care and Seattle-Denver Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Aaron Wightman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.,Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Claire A Richards
- Hospital and Specialty Medicine, Geriatrics and Extended Care and Seattle-Denver Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington.,School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Ryan S Laundry
- Hospital and Specialty Medicine, Geriatrics and Extended Care and Seattle-Denver Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Janelle S Taylor
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul L Hebert
- Hospital and Specialty Medicine, Geriatrics and Extended Care and Seattle-Denver Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Health Services Research, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Chuan-Fen Liu
- Hospital and Specialty Medicine, Geriatrics and Extended Care and Seattle-Denver Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Health Services Research, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Ann M O'Hare
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle.,Hospital and Specialty Medicine, Geriatrics and Extended Care and Seattle-Denver Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
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Paul S, Melanson T, Mohan S, Ross-Driscoll K, McPherson L, Lynch R, Lo D, Pastan SO, Patzer RE. Kidney transplant program waitlisting rate as a metric to assess transplant access. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:314-321. [PMID: 32808730 PMCID: PMC7980228 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Kidney transplant program performance in the United States is commonly measured by posttransplant outcomes. Inclusion of pretransplant measures could provide a more comprehensive assessment of transplant program performance and necessary information for patient decision-making. In this study, we propose a new metric, the waitlisting rate, defined as the ratio of patients who are waitlisted in a center relative to the person-years referred for evaluation to a program. Furthermore, we standardize the waitlisting rate relative to the state average in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The new metric was used as a proof-of-concept to assess transplant-program access compared to the existing transplant rate metric. The study cohorts were defined by linking 2017 United States Renal Data System (USRDS) data with transplant-program referral data from the Southeastern United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2016. Waitlisting rate varied across the 9 Southeastern transplant programs, ranging from 10 to 22 events per 100 patient-years, whereas the program-specific waitlisting rate ratio ranged between 0.76 and 1.33. Program-specific waitlisting rate ratio was uncorrelated with the transplant rate ratio (r = -.15, 95% CI, -0.83 to 0.57). Findings warrant collection of national data on early transplant steps, such as referral, for a more comprehensive assessment of transplant program performance and pretransplant access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeshna Paul
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Taylor Melanson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sumit Mohan
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Katherine Ross-Driscoll
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Laura McPherson
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Raymond Lynch
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Denise Lo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stephen O. Pastan
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rachel E. Patzer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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34
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Heher EC, Hricik DE, Brennan DC. Securing the future of kidney transplantation by addressing the challenges of transplant nephrology. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:37-43. [PMID: 33405318 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Kidney transplant is a life-changing procedure, and transplant nephrologists, as part of a larger transplant team, play an important role in the field by managing the complex medical needs of transplant patients. The subspecialty of transplant nephrology, however, faces structural challenges related to its workforce, reporting structures, compensation, research and innovation, and health care information technology. The position of transplant nephrology at the academic and operational intersection of medicine and surgery may limit its access to critical resources, hinder academic promotion, and contribute to physician burnout. The authors provide an overview of the subspecialty transplant nephrology and propose solutions. Collaborative efforts that fortify the subspecialty of transplant nephrology will ultimately improve the lives of patients suffering from kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliot C Heher
- Square Knot Health, Inc., Newton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Donald E Hricik
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel C Brennan
- Nephrology Division and Comprehensive Transplant Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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35
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Boyle SM, Zhao Y, Chou E, Moore K, Harhay MN. Neighborhood context and kidney disease in Philadelphia. SSM Popul Health 2020; 12:100646. [PMID: 32939392 PMCID: PMC7476869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2020.100646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neighborhood context might influence the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition that impacts approximately 10% of the United States population and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and costs. We included a sample of 23,692 individuals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who were seen in a large academic primary care practice between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017. We used generalized linear equations to estimate the associations between indicators of neighborhood context (e.g., proximity to healthy foods stores, neighborhood walkability, social capital, crime rate, socioeconomic status) and CKD, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and insurance coverage. Among those with CKD, secondary outcomes were poor glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%) and uncontrolled blood pressure (systolic ≥ 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic ≥ 90 mm Hg). The cohort represented residents from 97% of Philadelphia census tracts. CKD prevalence was 10%. When all neighborhood context metrics were considered collectively, only lower neighborhood socioeconomic index (a composite assessment of neighborhood income, educational attainment, and occupation) was associated with a higher risk of CKD (lowest tertile vs. highest tertile: adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.46 [1.25, 1.69]; mid-tertile vs. highest-tertile: aRR 1.35 [1.25, 1.52]). Among those with CKD, compared to residence in the most walkable neighborhoods (i.e., where most essential resources are accessible by foot), residence in neighborhoods with mid-level WalkScore® (i.e., where only some essential neighborhood resources are accessible by foot) was independently associated with poor glycemic control (aRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01-1.42). These findings suggest a potential role for measures of neighborhood socioeconomic status in identifying communities that would benefit from screening and treatment for CKD. Studies are also needed to determine mechanisms to explain why residence in neighborhoods not easily navigated by foot or car might hinder glycemic control among people with CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M. Boyle
- Department of Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Hypertension and Kidney Transplantation, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuzhe Zhao
- Urban Health Collaborative, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edgar Chou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kari Moore
- Urban Health Collaborative, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Meera N. Harhay
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Tower Health Transplant Institute, Tower Health System, West Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
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36
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Using Geographic Catchment Areas to Measure Population-based Access to Kidney Transplant in the United States. Transplantation 2020; 104:e342-e350. [PMID: 33215901 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monitoring efforts to improve access to transplantation requires a definition of the population attributable to a transplant center. Previously, assessment of variation in transplant care has focused on differences between administrative units-such as states-rather than units derived from observed care patterns. We defined catchment areas (transplant referral regions [TRRs]) from transplant center care patterns for population-based assessment of transplant access. METHODS We used US adult transplant listings (2006-2016) and Dartmouth Atlas catchment areas to assess the optimal method of defining TRRs. We used US Renal Data System and Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipient data to compare waitlist- and population-based kidney transplant rates. RESULTS We identified 110 kidney, 67 liver, 85 pancreas, 68 heart, and 43 lung TRRs. Most patients were listed in their assigned TRR (kidney: 76%; liver: 75%; pancreas: 75%; heart: 74%; lung: 72%), although the proportion varied by organ (interquartile range for kidney, 65.7%-82.5%; liver, 58.2%-78.8%; pancreas, 58.4%-81.1%; heart, 63.1%-80.9%; lung, 61.6%-76.3%). Patterns of population- and waitlist-based kidney transplant rates differed, most notably in the Northeast and Midwest. CONCLUSIONS Patterns of TRR-based kidney transplant rates differ from waitlist-based rates, indicating that current metrics may not reflect transplant access in the broader population. TRRs define populations served by transplant centers and could enable future studies of how transplant centers can improve access for patients in their communities.
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37
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Martin DE, Harris DCH, Jha V, Segantini L, Demme RA, Le TH, McCann L, Sands JM, Vong G, Wolpe PR, Fontana M, London GM, Vanderhaegen B, Vanholder R. Ethical challenges in nephrology: a call for action. Nat Rev Nephrol 2020; 16:603-613. [PMID: 32587403 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-020-0295-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The American Society of Nephrology, the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association and the International Society of Nephrology Joint Working Group on Ethical Issues in Nephrology have identified ten broad areas of ethical concern as priority challenges that require collaborative action. Here, we describe these challenges - equity in access to kidney failure care, avoiding futile dialysis, reducing dialysis costs, shared decision-making in kidney failure care, living donor risk evaluation and decision-making, priority setting in kidney disease prevention and care, the ethical implications of genetic kidney diseases, responsible advocacy for kidney health and management of conflicts of interest - with the aim of highlighting the need for ethical analysis of specific issues, as well as for the development of tools and training to support clinicians who treat patients with kidney disease in practising ethically and contributing to ethical policy-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique E Martin
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
| | - David C H Harris
- University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivekanand Jha
- George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, New Delhi, India
- University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Luca Segantini
- International Society of Nephrology, Brussels, Belgium
- European Society for Organ Transplantation - ESOT c/o ESOT, Padova, Italy
| | - Richard A Demme
- Renal Division and Department of Medical Humanities and Bioethics, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Thu H Le
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Laura McCann
- American Society of Nephrology, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jeff M Sands
- Renal Division, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gerard Vong
- Center for Ethics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Monica Fontana
- European Renal Association - European Dialysis and Transplant Association, Parma, Italy
| | - Gerard M London
- Manhes Hospital, Nephrology Department GEPIR, Fleury-Mérogis, France
| | | | - Raymond Vanholder
- Nephrology Section, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B9000, Gent, Belgium
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38
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Ahmad MU, Eves MM. The structural conundrum of parolees and kidney transplantation. Clin Transplant 2020; 34:e14104. [PMID: 32997842 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, there are a large number of incarcerated individuals, resulting in high numbers of previously incarcerated individuals out on parole undergoing reentry into society. An aging prison population translates to an older parolee population and increased incidence of kidney disease requiring either long-term dialysis or transplantation. This paper argues that due to challenges specific to the parolee population as well as societal biases and priorities, Transplant Centers and healthcare professionals face an ethical imperative to attend to the needs of parolees as a class and take steps to address challenges related to access to Centers for renal transplantation evaluation for this disadvantaged group. It will first review the regulatory context of kidney transplantation and highlight the specific ways it effects parolees. The paper will then discuss the broader social context of parolee reentry into society and barriers faced by parolees in this process. This ethical analysis examines the complexity of these issues, and deliberates on ways to balance the competing priorities of justice, respect for this patient population as individuals and as a disadvantaged class, and the societal interests regarding organ allocation and considerable economic burdens of end-stage renal disease on parolees, the justice system, and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahwish U Ahmad
- Center for Bioethics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Bioethics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Margot M Eves
- Center for Bioethics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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39
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Longer Distance From Dialysis Facility to Transplant Center Is Associated With Lower Access to Kidney Transplantation. Transplant Direct 2020; 6:e602. [PMID: 33134482 PMCID: PMC7591118 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rates of kidney transplantation vary substantially across dialysis facilities in the United States. Whether distance between the dialysis facility and transplant center associates with variations in transplantation rates has not been examined.
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40
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Patzer RE, McPherson L, Wang Z, Plantinga LC, Paul S, Ellis M, DuBay DA, Wolf J, Reeves-Daniel A, Jones H, Zayas C, Mulloy L, Pastan SO. Dialysis facility referral and start of evaluation for kidney transplantation among patients treated with dialysis in the Southeastern United States. Am J Transplant 2020; 20:2113-2125. [PMID: 31981441 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Variability in transplant access exists, but barriers to referral and evaluation are underexplored due to lack of national surveillance data. We examined referral for kidney transplantation evaluation and start of the evaluation among 34 857 incident, adult (18-79 years) end-stage kidney disease patients from 690 dialysis facilities in the United States Renal Data System from January 1, 2012 through August 31, 2016, followed through February 2018 and linked data to referral and evaluation data from nine transplant centers in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Multivariable-adjusted competing risk analysis examined each outcome. The median within-facility cumulative percentage of patients referred for kidney transplantation within 1 year of dialysis at the 690 dialysis facilities in Network 6 was 33.7% (interquartile range [IQR]: 25.3%-43.1%). Only 48.3% of referred patients started the transplant evaluation within 6 months of referral. In multivariable analyses, factors associated with referral vs evaluation start among those referred at any time differed. For example, black, non-Hispanic patients had a higher rate of referral (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-1.27), but lower evaluation start among those referred (HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88-0.98), vs white non-Hispanic patients. Barriers to transplant varied by step, and national surveillance data should be collected on early transplant steps to improve transplant access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Patzer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Emory Transplant Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Laura McPherson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zhensheng Wang
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Laura C Plantinga
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sudeshna Paul
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Matthew Ellis
- Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Derek A DuBay
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Joshua Wolf
- Piedmont Transplant Institute, Piedmont Healthcare, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Heather Jones
- Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carlos Zayas
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Laura Mulloy
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Stephen O Pastan
- Emory Transplant Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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41
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Harhay MN, Mark PB. Will Universal Access to Health Care Mean Equitable Access to Kidney Transplantation? Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2020; 15:752-754. [PMID: 32467308 PMCID: PMC7274288 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.03000320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meera N Harhay
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania .,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Tower Health Transplant Institute, Tower Health System, West Reading, Pennsylvania
| | - Patrick B Mark
- Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Glasgow Renal and Transplant Unit, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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42
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Murphy KA, Jackson JW, Purnell TS, Shaffer AA, Haugen CE, Chu NM, Crews DC, Norman SP, Segev DL, McAdams-DeMarco MA. Association of Socioeconomic Status and Comorbidities with Racial Disparities during Kidney Transplant Evaluation. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2020; 15:843-851. [PMID: 32381582 PMCID: PMC7274281 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.12541019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Black patients referred for kidney transplantation have surpassed many obstacles but likely face continued racial disparities before transplant. The mechanisms that underlie these disparities are unclear. We determined the contributions of socioeconomic status (SES) and comorbidities as mediators to disparities in listing and transplant. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We studied a cohort (n=1452 black; n=1561 white) of patients with kidney failure who were referred for and started the transplant process (2009-2018). We estimated the direct and indirect effects of SES (self-reported income, education, and employment) and medical comorbidities (self-reported and chart-abstracted) as mediators of racial disparities in listing using Cox proportional hazards analysis with inverse odds ratio weighting. Among the 983 black and 1085 white candidates actively listed, we estimated the direct and indirect effects of SES and comorbidities as mediators of racial disparities on receipt of transplant using Poisson regression with inverse odds ratio weighting. RESULTS Within the first year, 876 (60%) black and 1028 (66%) white patients were waitlisted. The relative risk of listing for black compared with white patients was 0.76 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.69 to 0.83); after adjustment for SES and comorbidity, the relative risk was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.83 to 0.97). The proportion of the racial disparity in listing was explained by SES by 36% (95% CI, 26% to 57%), comorbidity by 44% (95% CI, 35% to 61%), and SES with comorbidity by 58% (95% CI, 44% to 85%). There were 409 (42%) black and 496 (45%) white listed candidates transplanted, with a median duration of follow-up of 3.9 (interquartile range, 1.2-7.1) and 2.8 (interquartile range, 0.8-6.3) years, respectively. The incidence rate ratio for black versus white candidates was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.79 to 0.96); SES and comorbidity did not explain the racial disparity. CONCLUSIONS SES and comorbidity partially mediated racial disparities in listing but not for transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karly A Murphy
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John W Jackson
- Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tanjala S Purnell
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.,Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ashton A Shaffer
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christine E Haugen
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nadia M Chu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Deidra C Crews
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.,Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Silas P Norman
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Dorry L Segev
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mara A McAdams-DeMarco
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland .,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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43
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Purnell TS, McAdams-DeMarco M. The Long Road to Kidney Transplantation: Does Center Distance Impact Transplant Referral and Evaluation? Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2020; 15:453-454. [PMID: 32275641 PMCID: PMC7133125 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.02080220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tanjala S Purnell
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; and.,Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mara McAdams-DeMarco
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; .,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; and
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McPherson LJ, Barry V, Yackley J, Gander JC, Pastan SO, Plantinga LC, Paul S, Patzer RE. Distance to Kidney Transplant Center and Access to Early Steps in the Kidney Transplantation Process in the Southeastern United States. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2020; 15:539-549. [PMID: 32209583 PMCID: PMC7133136 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.08530719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Access to kidney transplantation requires a referral to a transplant center for medical evaluation. Prior research suggests that the distance that a person must travel to reach a center might be a barrier to referral. We examined whether a shorter distance from patients' residence to a transplant center increased the likelihood of referral and initiating the transplant evaluation once referred. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Adults who began treatment for ESKD at any Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina dialysis facility from 1/1/2012 to 12/31/2015 were identified from the US Renal Data System. Referral (within 1 year of dialysis initiation) and evaluation initiation (within 6 months of referral) data were collected from all nine transplant centers located in that region. Distance was categorized as <15, 15-30, 31-60, 61-90, and >90 miles from the center of a patient's residential zip code to the nearest center. We used multilevel, multivariable-adjusted logistic regression to quantify the association between distance with referral and evaluation initiation. RESULTS Among 27,250 adult patients on incident dialysis, 9582 (35%) were referred. Among those referred, 58% initiated evaluation. Although patients who lived farther from a center were less likely to be referred, distance was not statistically significantly related to transplant referral: adjusted odds ratios of 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.22), 1.07 (95% confidence interval, 0.95 to 1.22), 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.84 to 1.10), and 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.74 to 1.03) for 15-30, 31-60, 61-90, and >90 miles, respectively, compared with <15 miles (P trend =0.05). There was no statistically significant association of distance and evaluation initiation among referred patients: adjusted odds ratios of 1.14 (95% confidence interval, 0.97 to 1.33), 1.12 (95% confidence interval, 0.94 to 1.35), 1.04 (95% confidence interval, 0.87 to 1.25), and 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.72 to 1.11) for 15-30, 31-60, 61-90, and >90 miles, respectively, compared with <15 miles (P trend =0.70). CONCLUSIONS Distance from residence to transplant center among patients undergoing long-term dialysis in the southeastern United States was not associated with increased likelihood of referral and initiating transplant center evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J McPherson
- Departments of Surgery and.,Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Jane Yackley
- Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jennifer C Gander
- Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Laura C Plantinga
- Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sudeshna Paul
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; and
| | - Rachel E Patzer
- Departments of Surgery and .,Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Health Services Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Schold JD, Augustine JJ, Huml AM, O’Toole J, Sedor JR, Poggio ED. Modest rates and wide variation in timely access to repeat kidney transplantation in the United States. Am J Transplant 2020; 20:769-778. [PMID: 31599065 PMCID: PMC7204603 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Success of transplantation is not limited to initial receipt of a donor organ. Many kidney transplant recipients experience graft loss following initial transplantation and the benefits of expedited placement on the waiting list and retransplantation extend to this population. Factors associated with access to repeat transplantation may be unique given experience with the transplant process and prior viability as a candidate. We examined the incidence, risk factors, secular changes, and center-level variation of preemptive relisting or transplantation (PRLT) for kidney transplant recipients in the United States with graft failure (not due to death) using Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data from 2007 to 2018 (n = 39 557). Overall incidence of PRLT was 15% and rates of relisting declined over time. Significantly lower PRLT was evident among patients who were African American and Hispanic, males, older, obese, publicly insured, had lower educational attainment, were diabetic, had longer dialysis time prior to initial transplant, shorter graft survival, longer distance to transplant center, and resided in distressed communities. There was significant variation in PRLT by center, median = 13%, 10th percentile = 6%, 90th percentile = 24%. Cumulatively, results indicate that despite prior access to transplantation, incidence of PRLT is modest with pronounced clinical, social, and center-level sources of variation suggesting opportunities to improve preemptive care among patients with failing grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D. Schold
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio,Center for Populations Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Anne M. Huml
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - John O’Toole
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - John R. Sedor
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Emilio D. Poggio
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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46
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Kulkarni S, Ladin K, Haakinson D, Greene E, Li L, Deng Y. Association of Racial Disparities With Access to Kidney Transplant After the Implementation of the New Kidney Allocation System. JAMA Surg 2020; 154:618-625. [PMID: 30942882 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2019.0512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Importance Inactive patients on the kidney transplant wait-list have a higher mortality. The implications of this status change on transplant outcomes between racial/ethnic groups are unknown. Objectives To determine if activity status changes differ among races/ethnicities and levels of sensitization, and if these differences are associated with transplant probability after implementation of the Kidney Allocation System. Design, Setting, and Participants A multistate model was constructed from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network kidney transplant database (December 4, 2014, to September 8, 2016). The time interval followed Kidney Allocation System implementation and provided at least 1-year follow-up for all patients. The model calculated probabilities between active and inactive status and the following competing risk outcomes: living donor transplant, deceased donor transplant, and death/other. This retrospective cohort study included 42 558 patients on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network kidney transplant wait-list following Kidney Allocation System implementation. To rule out time-varying confounding from relisting, analysis was limited to first-time registrants. Owing to variations in listing practices, primary center listing data were used for dually listed patients. Individuals listed for another organ or pancreatic islets were excluded. Analysis began July 2017. Main Outcome and Measures Probabilities were determined for transitions between active and inactive status and the following outcome states: active to living donor transplant, active to deceased donor transplant, active to death/other, inactive to living donor transplant, inactive to deceased donor transplant, and inactive to death/other. Results The median (interquartile range) age at listing was 55.0 (18.0-89.0) years, and 26 535 of 42 558 (62.4%) were men. White individuals were 43.3% (n = 18 417) of wait-listed patients, while black and Hispanic individuals made up 27.8% (n = 11 837) and 19.5% (n = 8296), respectively. Patients in the calculated plasma reactive antibody categories of 0% or 1% to 79% showed no statistically significant difference in transplant probability among races/ethnicities. White individuals had an advantage in transplant probability over black individuals in calculated plasma reactive antibody categories of 80% to 89% (hazard ratio [HR], 1.8 [95% CI, 1.4-2.2]) and 90% or higher (HR, 2.4 [95% CI, 2.1-2.6]), while Hispanic individuals had an advantage over black individuals in the calculated plasma reactive antibody group of 90% or higher (HR, 2.5 [95% CI, 2.1-2.8]). Once on the inactive list, white individuals were more likely than Hispanic individuals (HR, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.17-1.3]) or black individuals (HR, 1.4 [95% CI, 1.3-1.4]) to resolve issues for inactivity resulting in activation. Conclusions and Relevance For patients who are highly sensitized, there continues to be less access to kidney transplant in the black population after the implementation of the Kidney Allocation System. Health disparities continue after listing where individuals from minority groups have greater difficulty in resolving issues of inactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Kulkarni
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Keren Ladin
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Erich Greene
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Luhang Li
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Yanhong Deng
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
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47
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Boyle SM, Fehr K, Deering C, Raza A, Harhay MN, Malat G, Ranganna K, Lee DH. Barriers to kidney transplant evaluation in HIV-positive patients with advanced kidney disease: A single-center study. Transpl Infect Dis 2020; 22:e13253. [PMID: 31994821 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-positive kidney transplant (KT) recipients have similar outcomes to HIV-negative recipients. However, HIV-positive patients with advanced kidney disease might face additional barriers to initiating the KT evaluation process. We sought to characterize comorbidities, viral control and management, viral resistance, and KT evaluation appointment rates in a cohort of KT evaluation-eligible HIV-positive patients. METHODS We included patients seen between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2015, at a primary care HIV clinic who met KT evaluation eligibility by an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤20 mL/min/1.73 meters2 or dialysis dependence. The primary outcome was a documented appointment for KT evaluation. RESULTS Of 3735 patients evaluated at the HIV primary clinic during the study period, 42 (1.6%) were KT evaluation-eligible patients. The median age was 47 years, 77% were male, and 95%, black. Median CD4 count was 328 cells/mm3 (IQR 175-461). Among the 63% percent with antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescription, 40% had viral loads >200 copies. Among patients with HIV resistance profiles (50%, n = 21), 52% had resistance to at least one class of ART. A majority (60%, n = 25) were scheduled for KT evaluation appointment, but of those, only 8% (n = 2) had evidence of appointments before dialysis dependence. Those without appointments had more schizophrenia (29% vs 4%, P = .02), resistance (78% vs 33%, P = .04), ART prescription (76% vs 48%, P = .04), and more kidney disease of unknown etiology (53% vs 8%, P = .02). CONCLUSION Kidney transplant evaluation-eligible HIV-positive patients had a high rate of evaluation appointments, but a low rate of preemptive evaluation appointments. Schizophrenia and viral resistance disproportionally affected patients without evaluation appointments. These data precede the recommendation for universal ART for all HIV+ patients, regardless of CD4 count and viral load, and must be interpreted in the context of this limitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Boyle
- Division Nephrology, Hypertension and Kidney Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kallie Fehr
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Catylin Deering
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Abbas Raza
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Meera N Harhay
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Tower Health System, Tower Health Transplant Institute, West Reading, Pennsylvania
| | - Gregory Malat
- Department of Medicine, Renal, Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Karthik Ranganna
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Tower Health System, Tower Health Transplant Institute, West Reading, Pennsylvania
| | - Dong Heun Lee
- Division of Infectious Disease and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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48
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Haugen CE, Agoons D, Chu NM, Liyanage L, Long J, Desai NM, Norman SP, Brennan DC, Segev DL, McAdams-DeMarco M. Physical Impairment and Access to Kidney Transplantation. Transplantation 2020; 104:367-373. [PMID: 31033648 PMCID: PMC6814511 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The short physical performance battery (SPPB) test is an objective measurement of lower extremity function (walk speed, balance, chair stands). SPPB impairment is associated with longer length of stay and increased mortality in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. Furthermore, the SPPB test may represent an objective quantification of the "foot of the bed test" utilized by clinicians; therefore, impairment may translate with decreased access to KT. METHODS We studied 3255 participants (2009-2018) at 2 KT centers. SPPB impairment was defined as a score of ≤10. We estimated time to listing, waitlist mortality, and transplant rate by SPPB impairment status using Cox proportional hazards, competing risks, and Poisson regression. RESULTS The mean age was 54 years (SD = 14; range 18-89) and 54% had SPPB impairment. Impaired participants were less likely to be listed for KT (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.64-0.77, P < 0.001). Also, once listed, impaired candidates had a 1.6-fold increased risk of waitlist mortality (adjusted subhazard ratio: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.18-2.06, P = 0.002). Furthermore, impaired candidates were transplanted 16% less frequently (adjusted incidence rate ratio: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73-0.98, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS SPPB impairment was highly prevalent in KT candidates. Impaired candidates had decreased chance of listing, increased risk of waitlist mortality, and decreased rate of KT. Identification of robust KT candidates and improvement in lower extremity function are potential ways to improve survival on the waitlist and access to KT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Haugen
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Dayawa Agoons
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Nadia M Chu
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Luckimini Liyanage
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jane Long
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Niraj M Desai
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Silas P Norman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Daniel C Brennan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Dorry L Segev
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Mara McAdams-DeMarco
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
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49
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de Jager E, Levine AA, Udyavar NR, Burstin HR, Bhulani N, Hoyt DB, Ko CY, Weissman JS, Britt LD, Haider AH, Maggard-Gibbons MA. Disparities in Surgical Access: A Systematic Literature Review, Conceptual Model, and Evidence Map. J Am Coll Surg 2020; 228:276-298. [PMID: 30803548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2018.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elzerie de Jager
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA; College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adele A Levine
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - N Rhea Udyavar
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | | | - Nizar Bhulani
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | | | - Clifford Y Ko
- American College of Surgeons, Chicago, IL; Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Surgery, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Joel S Weissman
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - L D Britt
- Department of Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
| | - Adil H Haider
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Melinda A Maggard-Gibbons
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
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50
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Patzer RE, Pastan SO. Policies to promote timely referral for kidney transplantation. Semin Dial 2020; 33:58-67. [PMID: 31957930 DOI: 10.1111/sdi.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There are numerous patient, provider, and health system barriers to accessing kidney transplantation. Patient barriers such as sociocultural and clinical characteristics and provider factors such as provider knowledge and awareness of transplantation play important roles in facilitating transplant. Health system factors like misaligned incentives and quality metrics for dialysis facilities and transplant centers also influence transplant access. While numerous studies have documented the impact of these barriers on wait-listing and transplant, few studies have examined referral from a dialysis facility to a transplant center and start of the transplant evaluation process. While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require that dialysis facilities educate patients about transplant, there are no guidelines for the content and objectives for this education. In addition, policies to require timely referral for transplantation have been considered by CMS but are difficult to implement without national data on referral. Federal policies should be amended to mandate transplant center submission of referral data-while decreasing the unfunded mandate to collect other unusable data currently collected as part of regulatory monitoring of transplant centers-to promote timely access to transplant, increased transplant rates, and to better understand the multilevel barriers and facilitators to transplant referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Patzer
- Department of Medicine, Health Services Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Health Services Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Emory Transplant Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephen O Pastan
- Department of Medicine, Health Services Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Health Services Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Emory Transplant Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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