High KDPI Kidneys

Getting a Transplant sooner

How can i get a transplant sooner?

There are various types of kidneys available for donation, some of which have shorter wait times. Some kidneys take less time to get than others. You can choose which kinds you are willing to accept. If you are open to more than one kind, you may get a kidney sooner. 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 12 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 6 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

These kidneys might be a good match for some people. If you have had problems while on dialysis or are old enough that you don’t need a kidney to last for 20 years, these kidneys may be a good fit for you and may help you get a transplant faster. In 2022, over a thousand high KDPI kidneys were transplanted in the US.  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