Diagnosing the Recent Decrease in Utilization of Deceased Donor Kidneys.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The number of deceased donor kidney transplants has been increasing and is at a record high, yet nonuse of kidneys recovered for transplantation has risen to 25.8% following circular kidney allocation system based on 250-nautical-mile circles implemented on March 15, 2021 (KAS250).

Methods

Using Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data, we studied all deceased donor kidneys recovered for transplant from March 15, 2019, to January 31, 2023. We calculated the association of multiple factors with kidney nonuse, including increasing recovery of kidneys from nonideal donors, delays in offer acceptance observed under KAS250, and impacts of COVID-19.

Results

In the 2 y before KAS250, the nonuse rate was 21.2%. Had this rate continued, 2334 more kidneys wo

SUBMITTER: Wood NL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11862262 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature