| Sub-title | |
| Author | E Farrugia |
| Abstract | Kidney transplantation is the most cost-effective form of treatment for end-stage renal disease patients. In Malta, the number of patients starting dialysis have increased dramatically over the past 15 years, with an everincreasing majority of patients being eligible for a kidney transplant. The aim of the study is to analyse the time period spent by dialysis patients waiting to receive a cadaveric transplant. 50 consecutive cadaveric transplant recipients under the care of one consultant nephrologist were retrospectvely studied. Results: The mean waiting time in months steadily increased over the 12- year study time frame from 16 in 1993-94 to 58 in 2005-06. Blood group A recipients wait significantly more than their blood group O counterparts before receiving their allograft (mean of 76 vs 43 months). Conclusion: The waiting list is currently 58 months. Similar to many developed countries, the waiting period has dramatically increased over the last decade or so. The main reasons include acceptance of more potential kidney transplant recipients onto the waiting list and a shortage of organ donors. Possible solutions to expand the donor pool, and hence shorten the kidney transplant waiting time, are discussed in detail. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | cadaveric transplantation, organ donors, waiting time, kidney transplantation |