Under innovative measures, the algorithm for diagnosing kidney diseases has undergone major reforms to reduce racial bias and improve access to kidney transplants. Two co-chairs of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF)/American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Task Force on Reassessing the Inclusion of Race in Diagnosing Kidney Diseases have been recognized by TIME as part of their inaugural list of the 100 most influential people in global health.
The revised algorithm now embraces a race-free approach and has already shown positive outcomes. Black patients, who historically had fewer opportunities for receiving a kidney transplant compared to their White counterparts, are now benefiting from modified waitlist times. In addition to implementing the race-free algorithm, the Task Force has also recommended national initiatives to enhance the use of cystatin C, a filtration marker that, when combined with creatinine, improves the accuracy of estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR). These changes have resulted in equitable access to kidney transplantation for all patients.
The significant impact of these efforts has led to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network re-evaluating the use of race-based estimating equations for transplant listing and donor eligibility. By adopting a more inclusive approach, barriers have been dismantled, and patients from diverse backgrounds have a fair chance at receiving life-saving kidney transplants.
TIME’s recognition of the NKF/ASN Task Force co-chairs underscores the global importance of their work. The TIME100 Health List acknowledges influencers in the field of health across various categories, including Innovators, Titans, Pioneers, Leaders, and Catalysts.
For more information about this groundbreaking progress in kidney disease diagnosis and transplant accessibility, please visit the official TIME100 Health List at time.com. Further details can also be found in the May 13, 2024 print issue of TIME, available on newsstands from Friday, May 3. Follow TIME on their social media channels, including Twitter and Instagram (@TIME) and Facebook.com/TIME, for updates regarding the list.
About the American Society of Nephrology:
Since 1966, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has been at the forefront of the fight against kidney diseases, advocating for the highest quality care, advancing research, and educating health professionals and scientists worldwide. With a membership of nearly 22,000 professionals from 141 countries, ASN continues to strive for breakthroughs in kidney disease prevention, treatment, and cure. To learn more, please visit www.asn-online.org and follow ASN on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
About the National Kidney Foundation:
The National Kidney Foundation is dedicated to eliminating preventable kidney disease, driving innovation in patient care, and addressing structural inequalities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. By revolutionizing the fight against kidney disease, the foundation aims to improve the lives of patients and ensure that they receive the dignity and care they deserve. For more information about kidney disease, visit www.kidney.org and follow the National Kidney Foundation on Facebook.com, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram.
Innovations in Kidney Disease Diagnosis and Access to Transplants have seen major reforms to reduce racial bias and improve access to kidney transplants. The revised algorithm for diagnosing kidney diseases now takes a race-free approach, resulting in positive outcomes. Black patients, who previously had less opportunity for receiving a kidney transplant compared to White patients, are now benefiting from modified waitlist times. This change, along with the recommendation to enhance the use of cystatin C, has resulted in more accurate estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and equitable access to kidney transplantation for all patients.
One current market trend in kidney disease diagnosis and access to transplants is the increasing emphasis on personalized medicine. This approach utilizes individual patient characteristics and genetic information to tailor treatment plans specifically to the patient’s needs. Personalized medicine allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment outcomes, leading to better patient outcomes and increased access to transplants. Researchers and healthcare professionals are continuously exploring and developing new techniques and technologies in this area to further improve diagnosis and transplant accessibility.
Another trend in the market is the development of alternative treatment options to kidney transplantation. While transplantation remains the gold standard treatment for end-stage kidney disease, there is a growing interest in alternative therapies such as artificial kidneys, bioengineered kidneys, and regenerative medicine approaches. These innovations aim to address the shortage of donor organs and improve access to life-saving treatments for patients.
Forecasting the future of kidney disease diagnosis and access to transplants, we can expect continued advancements in technology and diagnostic tools. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms may become more prevalent in diagnosing kidney diseases, allowing for earlier detection and more accurate treatment planning. Additionally, advancements in organ preservation techniques and the use of 3D bioprinting may improve the availability of donor organs and increase transplant accessibility.
Key challenges and controversies associated with the subject include ethical considerations, organ shortage, and the high cost of transplantation. Ethical dilemmas arise when determining organ allocation and prioritization, as decisions need to be fair, equitable, and based on medical need. The shortage of donor organs remains a significant challenge, as the demand far exceeds the supply. Efforts to increase organ donation rates and explore alternative therapies are ongoing but require continued attention and support. The cost of transplantation, including pre-operative evaluation, surgery, post-operative care, and lifelong immunosuppressive medications, can be a barrier for many patients, particularly those without adequate insurance coverage.
Advantages of innovations in kidney disease diagnosis and access to transplants include improved accuracy in diagnosis, reduced racial bias, increased equity in transplant access, and better patient outcomes. The race-free algorithm, combined with the use of cystatin C, has shown promising results in providing more accurate GFR estimates and identifying patients who can benefit from kidney transplantation. These advancements have the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life for individuals with kidney disease.
Disadvantages include the potential for increased healthcare costs due to the adoption of new technologies and treatments. Additionally, there may be challenges in implementing and disseminating these innovations across different healthcare settings, especially in resource-constrained areas. Addressing these challenges will require collaborative efforts from healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and patient advocacy groups to ensure equitable access to innovations in diagnosis and transplant accessibility.
For more information on this topic, please visit the official TIME100 Health List at [Time Health List](https://time.com/collection/time100-health-2024/) and the American Society of Nephrology at [American Society of Nephrology](http://www.asn-online.org). The National Kidney Foundation’s website [National Kidney Foundation](http://www.kidney.org) also provides valuable resources and information.