News Release

Regional disparities in transplantation rates

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Canadian Medical Association Journal

The Kidney Transplant Working Group of the Canadian Society of Transplantation has issued new comprehensive guidelines on eligibility criteria for kidney transplants.

Since 1980, the incidence and prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have increased each year in Canada and throughout the world. From 1981 to 1999, the number of new patients with ESRD grew at a compound annual rate of 7.3%. About 25 000 Canadians are receiving life-sustaining treatment for ESRD. Many may be eligible for kidney transplantation. Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for ESRD because it prolongs survival, improves quality of life and is less costly than dialysis.

In spite of this, there is marked regional disparity in rates of transplantation across Canada. This document provides detailed guidance on eligibility across broad criteria such as age (is there an upper limit of age when transplant is not recommended?) and a widening compass of diseases such as diabetes, vascular disease, HIV infection, various genetic diseases and others that are no longer contraindications for transplantation.

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http://www.cmaj.ca/misc/press/pg1181.pdf

p. 1181 Canadian Society of Transplantation consensus guidelines on eligibility for kidney transplantation-- G. Knoll


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