Nephrologist says only 30 get into kidney donation programme from 21,000 in waiting listMarch 4, 2019
An average waiting time for an organ transplant is between 14 to 16 years. To be eligible, patients have to be in good health for that 14 and 16 years to have their name in the top waiting list.
When your kidneys fail, treatment is required to replace the work your own kidney can no longer do. There are two types of treatment for kidney failure – dialysis or a transplant. But what are the difference and how long does it take?
Dr Ng Eng Khim (pix), Consultant Physician and Nephrologist, Sunway Medical Centre emphasised that there are two ways to get an organ. “One is called living related donation – which means one of the family members step forward and become the donor which can happen very fast. So, the moment it matches and is suitable with medical advancement, we can make a transplant even across different blood groups.” “However, if the donation is from a deceased donor such as an accident victim, those with intracranial bleeding and certified brain death but their heart is still pumping, the organ is still perfused and suitable for donation, then there is a waiting list in Malaysia.” “The moment you require dialysis, and you’re already in the dialysis programme, automatically your name will be registered into the national registry. Nevertheless, after the age of 60, the name will be taken off due to the high risk of such a transplant, while prioritising those who are still young – to push them up the ladder of the waiting list.” He then quoted news reports as at October 2017 where more than 21,000 chronic patients, as well as those suffering stage four organ failure were reported to be on the waiting list for organ transplants. Of these, he said, only an estimated 20 to 30 patients get into the kidney donation programme. Years before obtaining an organ transplant An average waiting time, according to Ng, is between 14 to 16 years. “That means, once you step into the dialysis programme, you have to ensure that you are in good health for that 14 and 16 years. Only then your name will be in the top waiting list.” “When there is an organ donated, you’ll be called by the transplant centre. But often, these patience health deteriorates due to the long waiting time compared to the first time they entered into the programme.” “Due to this, they may be disqualified due to health and heart related issues where they are deemed unsuitable with past history of multiple infections. After transplant, a patient may have to take amino suppressed medications and transplant doctors may think that they aren’t suitable candidate,” he said. |
EXPLORE FURTHER
|
Diabetes: The top cause of chronic kidney disease1 in 3 adults with diabetes suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and it affects up to 40% of patients with Type 2 diabetes
|
|
Early warning signs of kidney cancerTumors often discovered incidentally; symptoms include painless haematuria and swelling
|
|
Pros and cons of getting a kidney transplantOnly half of dialysis patients survive five years post-treatment
|
|
National Kidney Foundation refutes claims of viral posting promoting a cure for kidney diseaseJisheng Kidney Qi tablets - a cure for kidney disease a scam, says NKF
|
|
Cranberries, high doses of vitamin C causes kidney stones, says clinical journalOxalate in cranberries a contributing factor
|
|
Mybuahpinggang.com website launched to empower kidney failure patients, caregivers nationwidePractical resources on kidney diseases, treatment, dialysis and transplant
|
|
National Kidney Foundation launches Red Bean assistance programme to aid patients with anemiaEnhancing CKD care with effective erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) treatment for patients
|
|
Renal denervation consensus paper now published in hypertension research journalEnhancing CKD care with effective erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) treatment for patients
|
