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Mathur AK, Goodrich N, Hong B, Smith AR, Mandell RJ, Warren PH, Gifford KA, Ojo AO, Merion RM. Use of Federal Reimbursement for Living Donor Costs by Racial and Ethnic Minorities: Implications for Disparities in Access to Living Donor Transplantation. Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00758. [PMID: 38771064 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minority race, ethnicity, and financial barriers are associated with lower rates of living donor (LD) kidney transplantation (LDKT). Financial reimbursement for LD costs may impact social determinants of health and, therefore, impact disparities in access to LDKT. METHODS Among US LDKTs, we studied associations between racial and ethnic minority status and utilization of the National Living Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC), a means-tested reimbursement program for nonmedical LD costs. We analyzed demographic, clinical, income, and survey data from NLDAC and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2022) to identify predictors of NLDAC utilization. RESULTS Among 70 069 US LDKTs, 6093 NLDAC applicants were identified (9% of US LDKTs). Racial and ethnic minorities were over-represented in NLDAC-supported LDKTs compared with non-NLDAC US LDKTs (Black donors 12% versus 9%; Black recipients 15% versus 12%; Hispanic donors 21% versus 14%; Hispanic recipients 23% versus 15%; all P < 0.001). Among preemptive transplants, use of NLDAC by donors to Hispanic recipients (11%) was nearly twice as high as that of non-Hispanic recipients (6%) (P < 0.001). At time of NLDAC application, 72% stated NLDAC "will make it possible" to donate; higher proportions of minority applicants agreed (Black 80%, White 70%, P < 0.001; Hispanic 79%, non-Hispanic 70%, P < 0.001). Racial and ethnic minority-concordant transplants were significantly more likely to use NLDAC (donor/recipient: Black/Black risk-adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.85, other/other OR 2.59, Hispanic/Hispanic OR 1.53; all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Reduction of LD financial barriers may increase access to LDKT, particularly in racial and ethnic minority communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K Mathur
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Phoenix, AZ
| | | | - Barry Hong
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Abigail R Smith
- Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, Ann Arbor, MI
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Preventative Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
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2
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Dawson AE, Ray Bignall ON, Spencer JD, McLeod DJ. A Call to Comprehensively Understand Our Patients to Provide Equitable Pediatric Urological Care. Urology 2023; 179:126-135. [PMID: 37393019 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2023.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Dawson
- Division of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio; The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - O N Ray Bignall
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - John David Spencer
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Daryl J McLeod
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; Department of Urology, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio.
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3
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Mohottige D, Olabisi O, Boulware LE. Use of Race in Kidney Function Estimation: Lessons Learned and the Path Toward Health Justice. Annu Rev Med 2023; 74:385-400. [PMID: 36706748 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-042921-124419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, the nephrology community formally interrogated long-standing race-based clinical algorithms used in the field, including the kidney function estimation equations. A comprehensive understanding of the history of kidney function estimation and racial essentialism is necessary to understand underpinnings of the incorporation of a Black race coefficient into prior equations. We provide a review of this history, as well as the considerations used to develop race-free equations that are a guidepost for a more equity-oriented, scientifically rigorous future for kidney function estimation and other clinical algorithms and processes in which race may be embedded as a variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinushika Mohottige
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA; .,Center for Community and Population Health Improvement, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Opeyemi Olabisi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA; .,Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - L Ebony Boulware
- Center for Community and Population Health Improvement, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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4
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Mohottige D, Davenport C, Lee HJ, Ephraim P, DePasquale N, Cabacungan A, Barrett T, McElroy L, Pendergrast J, Diamantidis CJ, Boulware LE. Receipt and Sharing of Information to Improve Knowledge About Living Donor Kidney Transplant among Transplant Candidates with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease. Prog Transplant 2022; 32:241-247. [PMID: 35698759 DOI: 10.1177/15269248221107047] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Knowledge about living donor kidney transplant (LDKT) is associated with greater access. Yet, little is known about factors associated with high living donor transplant knowledge. Research Questions: Is receipt of LDKT information from health professionals or sharing information with family and friends associated with higher knowledge? Design: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from preemptive LDKT candidates, which assessed knowledge, receipt of information about living donation from health professionals, and history of having shared living donor information with family members or friends. In multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for participants' age, race, and total household income, we quantified the association of high knowledge with receipt of living donation information from health professionals and sharing of this information with family/friends. Results: Among 130 participants, the median (IQR) age was 59.5 (52.0-65.0) years, 60% were female, 47.7% were Black, and 49.2% had a high school education or less. Over half (55.4%) had high LDKT knowledge. Nearly one third reported having received living donor information (33.1%) or sharing the information with family/friends (28.5%). After adjustment, those who received (vs. did not receive information) and shared information with family/friends had 3-fold higher odds of high LDKT knowledge (3.05 [1.24, 8.08]). Individuals who received LDKT information (vs. did not) from health professionals had 4-fold higher odds of high LDKT knowledge (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 4.01 [1.49, 12.18]. Conclusions: Receipt of living donation information from health professionals and sharing this information with family/friends were associated with high LDKT knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinushika Mohottige
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, 12277Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Clemontina Davenport
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, 12277Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hui-Jie Lee
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, 12277Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Patti Ephraim
- Department of Epidemiology, 25802Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicole DePasquale
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, 12277Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ashley Cabacungan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, 12277Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tyler Barrett
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, 12277Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lisa McElroy
- Division of Abdominal Transplant, Duke Department of Surgery, 12277Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jane Pendergrast
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, 12277Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Clarissa J Diamantidis
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, 12277Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, 12277Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - L Ebony Boulware
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, 12277Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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5
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Saunders M, Simpson D. “Can i donate a kidney?” Common questions and simplified answers to the prospective kidney donor. J Natl Med Assoc 2022; 114:S56-S61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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6
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Huml AM, Schold JD. A Second Chance at Transplant First: Preemptive Repeat Kidney Transplantation. KIDNEY360 2022; 3:11-13. [PMID: 35368554 PMCID: PMC8967608 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0007502021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. Huml
- Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio,Department of Kidney Medicine, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio
| | - Jesse D. Schold
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio,Center for Populations Health Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio
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7
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Park WY, Kim Y, Paek JH, Jin K, Han S. Clinical Significance of De Novo Donor Specific Antibody Based on the Type of Kidney Transplantation. Transplant Proc 2022; 54:335-340. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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8
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Mohottige D, McElroy LM, Boulware LE. A Cascade of Structural Barriers Contributing to Racial Kidney Transplant Inequities. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis 2021; 28:517-527. [PMID: 35367020 DOI: 10.1053/j.ackd.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Stark racial disparities in access to and receipt of kidney transplantation, especially living donor and pre-emptive transplantation, have persisted despite decades of investigation and intervention. The causes of these disparities are complex, are inter-related, and result from a cascade of structural barriers to transplantation which disproportionately impact minoritized individuals and communities. Structural barriers contributing to racial transplant inequities have been acknowledged but are often not fully explored with regard to transplant equity. We describe longstanding racial disparities in transplantation, and we discuss contributing structural barriers which occur along the transplant pathway including pretransplant health care, evaluation, referral processes, and the evaluation of transplant candidates. We also consider the role of multilevel socio-contextual influences on these processes. We believe focused efforts which apply an equity lens to key transplant processes and systems are required to achieve greater structural competency and, ultimately, racial transplant equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinushika Mohottige
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Center for Community and Population Health Improvement, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC.
| | - Lisa M McElroy
- Division of Abdominal Transplant, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - L Ebony Boulware
- Center for Community and Population Health Improvement, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
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9
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Politis MD, Freedman JC, Haynes EN, Sanders AP. Association of Manganese Biomarker Concentrations with Blood Pressure and Kidney Parameters among Healthy Adolescents: NHANES 2013-2018. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:846. [PMID: 34682111 PMCID: PMC8534392 DOI: 10.3390/children8100846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Deficiency or excess exposure to manganese (Mn), an essential mineral, may have potentially adverse health effects. The kidneys are a major organ of Mn site-specific toxicity because of their unique role in filtration, metabolism, and excretion of xenobiotics. We hypothesized that Mn concentrations were associated with poorer blood pressure (BP) and kidney parameters such as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and albumin creatinine ratio (ACR). We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1931 healthy U.S. adolescents aged 12-19 years participating in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles 2013-2014, 2015-2016, and 2017-2018. Blood and urine Mn concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Systolic and diastolic BP were calculated as the average of available readings. eGFR was calculated from serum creatinine using the Bedside Schwartz equation. We performed multiple linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, race/ethnicity, and poverty income ratio. We observed null relationships between blood Mn concentrations with eGFR, ACR, BUN, and BP. In a subset of 691 participants, we observed that a 10-fold increase in urine Mn was associated with a 16.4 mL/min higher eGFR (95% Confidence Interval: 11.1, 21.7). These exploratory findings should be interpreted cautiously and warrant investigation in longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D. Politis
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Jacob C. Freedman
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Erin N. Haynes
- Department of Epidemiology Preventative Medicine and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA;
| | - Alison P. Sanders
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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10
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Reese PP, Mohan S, King KL, Williams WW, Potluri VS, Harhay MN, Eneanya ND. Racial disparities in preemptive waitlisting and deceased donor kidney transplantation: Ethics and solutions. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:958-967. [PMID: 33151614 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Kidney transplantation prior to dialysis, known as "preemptive transplant," enables patients to live longer and avoid the substantial quality of life burdens due to chronic dialysis. Deceased donor kidneys are a public resource that ought to provide health benefits equitably. Unfortunately, White, better educated, and privately insured patients enjoy disproportionate access to preemptive transplantation using deceased donor kidneys. This problem has persisted for decades and is exacerbated by the first-come, first-served approach to kidney allocation for predialysis patients. In this Personal Viewpoint, we describe the diverse barriers to preemptive waitlisting and kidney transplant. The analysis focuses on healthcare system features that particularly disadvantage Black patients, such as the waitlisting eligibility criterion of a single glomerular filtration rate or creatinine clearance ≤20 ml/min, and neglect of wide variation in the rate of progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in allocating preemptive transplants. We propose initiatives to improve equity including: (1) standardization of waitlisting eligibility criteria related to kidney function; (2) aggressive education for clinicians about early transplant referral; (3) innovations in electronic medical record capabilities; and (4) rapid status 7 listing by centers. If those initiatives fail, the transplant field should consider eliminating preemptive waitlisting and transplantation with deceased donor kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter P Reese
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sumit Mohan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Kristen L King
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Winfred W Williams
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Vishnu S Potluri
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - 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
| | - Nwamaka D Eneanya
- Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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11
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Mohottige D, Diamantidis CJ, Norris KC, Boulware LE. Racism and Kidney Health: Turning Equity Into a Reality. Am J Kidney Dis 2021; 77:951-962. [PMID: 33639186 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2021.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Kidney disease continues to manifest stark racial inequities in the United States, revealing the entrenchment of racism and bias within multiple facets of society, including in our institutions, practices, norms, and beliefs. In this perspective, we synthesize theory and evidence to describe why an understanding of race and racism is integral to kidney care, providing examples of how kidney health disparities manifest interpersonal and structural racism. We then describe racialized medicine and "colorblind" approaches as well as their pitfalls, offering in their place suggestions to embed antiracism and an "equity lens" into our practice. We propose examples of how we can enhance kidney health equity by enhancing our structural competency, using equity-focused race consciousness, and centering investigation and solutions around the needs of the most marginalized. To achieve equitable outcomes for all, our medical institutions must embed antiracism and equity into all aspects of advocacy, policy, patient/community engagement, educational efforts, and clinical care processes. Organizations engaged in kidney care should commit to promoting structural equity and eliminating potential sources of bias across referral practices, guidelines, research agendas, and clinical care. Kidney care providers should reaffirm our commitment to structurally competent patient care and educational endeavors in which empathy and continuous self-education about social drivers of health and inequity, racism, and bias are integral. We envision a future in which kidney health equity is a reality for all. Through bold collective and sustained investment, we can achieve this critical goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinushika Mohottige
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Center for Community and Population Health Improvement, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC.
| | - Clarissa J Diamantidis
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Center for Community and Population Health Improvement, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Keith C Norris
- Divisions of Nephrology and General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - L Ebony Boulware
- Center for Community and Population Health Improvement, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
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12
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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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