Factors Affecting Registration on Kidney Transplant Waiting List

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the rate of registration on a kidney transplant waiting list and to investigate related factors in our geographical region.

Materials and Methods: We conducted this study with 355 prevalent adult patients undergoing hemodialysis in Turkey. We used a survey to inquire whether the patients have registered on a kidney transplant waiting list.

Results: A total of 93 (26.2%) patients were registered on a kidney transplant waiting list. Patients registered on the waiting list were younger, had a higher education level, had been receiving hemodialysis for a longer time, and were mostly male. Patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, or chronic obstructive pulmonary were less likely to register. Patients with higher numbers of comorbid conditions registered less frequently. Independent variables were age, education, presence of cardiovascular disease, and the number of comorbid conditions. Of the registered patients, 40.9% did not visit the transplantation center for reevaluation in the previous year. When we asked non-registered patients the reason for not registering, the most common answers were they were old (52.7%) and that they were not eligible for transplantation (11.1%).

Conclusion: Younger, well-educated patients with less comorbidity register more frequently. A substantial proportion of the patients do not go for reevaluation after registration.