Is the present allocation of kidney transplants in the US colour-blind ? An analysis with data of the United States Renal Data System

Monique Zimmermann-Stenzel, University of Marburg
Ulrich Mueller, University of Marburg

It has frequently been reported that, in the US, of all End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients, African-Americans have a lower; Asian Americans have a higher chance of obtaining a kidney transplant than Caucasians. Here we report for a representative longitudinal sample (n=1506, birth years 1941-1979) of almost all US ESRD patients since the early 1970s from the USRDS database similar differentials. Also in accordance with the literature, we identify on all four steps from being in a dialysis programme to the maximal chance of obtaining a transplant:(1.eligibility (for example negative HIV status) and initial interest; 2. definitive interest; 3.completion of all clinical and lab tests necessary for a transplantation; 4. being immediately accessible and in undiminished health at the day when the crucial telephone call comes;) lower chances of African Americans to move on.