Abstract: PUB230
A Decade of Diversity: Exploring Ethnic Disparities in Kidney Donation in the Northeast United States
Session Information
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
Author
- Pena Zapata, Oscar Yasser, St Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States
Background
Over the past decade, substantial changes have affected the landscape of kidney transplantation in the Northeastern United States (Region I), comprising Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. This region has seen a steady increase in kidney transplants, reflecting the growing trend nationwide. Still, disparities remain in kidney donation across ethnic groups. We aim to explore these disparities, utilizing data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).
Methods
We included the UNOS database from 2013 to 2023 within Region I. Total kidney transplants, waiting lists, deceased kidney donors, and living kidney donors, categorized by ethnicity were obtained.
Results
Kidney transplants increased from 678 in 2013 to 1,004 in 2023. In 2023, 5,085 patients were on the kidney waiting list, with distribution: White 57.8%, Black 19.45%, Hispanic 15.05%, and Asian 6.6%.
White patients received in 2023, 58.0% of kidney transplants, followed by Black 21.4%, Hispanic 13.0%, and Asian 6.6%. Compare to 2012, where white patients: 69.6%, Black 18.1%, Hispanic 9.1%, and Asian 2.8%
In 2023, White donors constituted most deceased organ donors at 73.9%, down from 81.6% in 2013. Black deceased donors were in 2023 6.1%, up from 2013 5.1%. Both Hispanic and Asian deceased donors increased. In 2023, 81.9% of living donors were White, 8.1% Hispanic, 4.7% Black, and 4.1% Asian. Black living donors decreased from 6.1% in 2013 to 4.7% in 2023. Blacks received a lower proportion of kidney transplants compared to their waiting list representation, with similar disparities in both deceased and living kidney donations.
Conclusion
The ethnic disparity persists within Region I. To ensure everyone has access to life-saving treatments, it is imperative to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in organ donation and transplantation. Collaborative initiatives involving healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations are essential to address these disparities and foster a supportive transplantation system.