How can i get transplant sooner?

There are different types of donated kidneys that you can choose from. Some may have shorter wait times. You can choose more than one kind to have a better chance of getting a kidney faster. Each kidney has a score called KDPI (Kidney Donor Profile Index). The score is between 0 and 100 and tells you how long the kidney might work. It’s better if the KDPI score is lower.

What is KDPI?

The KDPI measures how well a kidney works. It helps figure out how long a kidney from a dead donor may work after a transplant.

Doctors put some details about the person who gave the kidney into a computer to calculate the KDPI. These details include:

  • How old they were, how tall and how much they weighed
  • What race/ethnicity they were
  • Information about why they died
  • If they had high blood pressure or diabetes
  • If they were exposed to Hepatitis C
  • How well their kidney worked before they died.

KDPI <85 (Low-Standard)

Usually, these kidneys work for 10 to 15 years. But, it could take a while to get a kidney with a low KDPI. Sometimes, you might not get one at all because it depends on your spot on the waitlist.

KDPI > 85 (High)

If a kidney has a high KDPI (over 85), it means the person who donated it was older or sicker when they died. These kidneys usually work for 7 to 10 years. They are sometimes called ECD (extended donor criteria) kidneys.

To use a kidney with a KDPI higher than 85, your transplant center will need your written permission. A higher KDPI can help you get a kidney faster.

is it okay to get a kidney with high KDPI?

Gynecologist prescribing medicines, health insurance with female patient during hospital appointment

At times, these kidneys might be a good match for someone. For example, if they have lots of problems from dialysis or are old enough that they don’t need the kidney to last for 20 years. These kidneys can work well and might let you get a transplant faster. However, they could also have effects on your health. It’s a good idea to talk to your transplant team to help you choose what’s best for you.

Reference

  1. https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/data/allocation-calculators/kdpi-calculator/learn-about-kdpi/
  2. https://unos.org/news/in-focus/what-is-kdpi-a-new-animation-for-patients-explains-the-kidney-donor-profile-index/#:~:text=What%20does%20KDPI%20measure%3F,deceased%20donor%20into%20a%20computer.
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viFqw83IxiQ
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