Click here to read Hundemer et. al's 2021 study comparing race-free CKD-EPI eGFR versus the previously used CKD-EPI equations that included race correction terms.
Effective Jan. 5, 2023, the Organ Procurement & Transportation Network (OPTN) unanimously approved the proposal Modify Waiting Time for Candidates Affected by Race-Inclusive eGFR Calculations.
Why does this matter? Hospitals that use formulas that include a Black coefficient, which can overestimate eGFR values and lead to delayed treatment, including organ transplantation.
Impact of new policy:
1. Increase GFR estimation accuracy and access to transplantation for Black kidney candidates.
2.Allow more black kidney candidates to meet the qualifying eGFR thresholds in the appropriate time frame
3. Allow transplant hospitals to use the most up-to-date methods to calculate eGFR as they are developed
Source: OPTN, U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (link)