Modify Waiting Time for Candidates Affected by Race-Inclusive Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) Calculations

At a glance

Current policy

In June of 2022, the Board of Directors approved Establish OPTN Requirement for Race-Neutral eGFR Calculations, which prohibits the use of race-inclusive calculations. A race-inclusive calculation can overestimate a Black candidates’ eGFR value and result in a delayed start of waiting time accrual to receive a kidney transplant. Current OPTN policy does not provide a pathway for registered candidates who have been impacted by a race-inclusive eGFR calculation to regain waiting time they could have received if a race-neutral calculation was used to estimate their GFRs.

Supporting media

Presentation

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Proposed changes

• Provide transplant programs a 365-day timeframe to assess their waiting lists, gather required documentation, and submit eGFR waiting time modifications for the affected Black candidates on their waiting lists
• Transplant program participation is encouraged, but not mandatory

Anticipated impact

• What it's expected to do
  • Waiting time will be restored to registered Black kidney candidates whose waiting time was affected by race-inclusive eGFR calculations that meet documentation and timeframe criteria
  • Increase equity in access to transplantation by providing programs the opportunity to request eGFR waiting time modifications for affected registered candidates

• What it won't do
  • Mandate transplant program participation

Terms to know

• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): A tool used to measure how well a patient’s kidneys are functioning
• Race-neutral eGFR calculation: A tool that calculates eGFR without the use of a race variable

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