Renal Transplantation in Low Resource Settings

Summary In low income settings rates of renal replacement therapy (RRT) range from 50%) in living related and Tacrolimus + Mycophenolate Mofetil (>50%) in deceased donor transplants. Graft and patient survival at 1 and 5 years are 83%–98%, 59%–90%, 90%–98%, and 85%–96%, respectively. Causes of graft and patient loss are interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (up to 71%) and infections (up to 80%), respectively. In low resource settings it is important, when possible, for the government sector to establish freely accessible renal transplantation for all who need it where community becomes a part of the care of ESRD patients.