ustransplant Home | Contact us | Site Map
About the SRTRExpand About the SRTR
|
National Transplant StatisticsExpand National Transplant Statistics
|
Program and OPO DataExpand Program and OPO Data
|
Research ResourcesExpand Research Resources
Publication Details

CITATION:
Merion RM, Barnes AD, Lin M, Ashby VB, McBride V, Ortiz-Rios E, Welch JC, Levine GN, Port FK, Burdick J. Transplants in Foreign Countries Among Patients Removed from the U.S. Transplant Waiting List. Am J Transplant 2008; 8 (Part 2): 988-996.

Click for the slide presentation Download slide presentation
Download PDF document
Click for the article in PubMed Go to PubMed links
ABSTRACT:
Transplant tourism, where patients travel to foreign countries specifically to receive a transplant, is poorly characterized. This study examined national data to determine the minimum scope of this practice. US national waiting list removal data were analyzed. Waiting list removals for transplant without a corresponding US transplant in the database were reviewed via a data validation query to transplant centers to identify foreign transplants. Additionally, waiting list removal records with text field entries indicating a transplant abroad were identified. We identified 373 foreign transplants (173 directly noted; 200 from data validation); most (89.3%) were kidney transplants. Between 2001 and 2006, the annual number of waiting list removals for transplant abroad increased. Male sex, Asian race, resident and nonresident alien status and college education were significantly and independently associated with foreign transplant. Recipients from 34 states, plus the District of Columbia, received foreign transplants in 35 countries, led by China, the Philippines and India. Transplants in foreign countries among waitlisted candidates in the US are increasingly performed. The data reported here represent the minimum number of cases and the full extent of this practice cannot be determined using existing data. Additional reporting requirements are needed.

Information for Patients and Families Information for Transplant Community and Policy Makers Information for Researchers
Choose an audience
Transplant Program and OPO Specific Data
Fast Facts give an overview of recent waiting list and transplant activity


Contact the SRTR

315 W. Huron St.
Suite 360
Ann Arbor, MI 48103 USA
Tel: +1 (800) 830-9664
Fax: +1 (734) 665-2103
Email Us

The SRTR is administered by the Arbor Research Collaborative for Health with the University of Michigan,
with oversight and funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration.

About the SRTR | National Transplant Statistics | Program and OPO Data | Research Resources | Privacy Statement