E-STAR report highlights early access gaps in US kidney transplantation

Chronic kidney disease impacts millions of Americans, and more than 800,000 people in the United States are living with end‑stage kidney disease. Kidney transplantation is widely recognized as the preferred treatment for eligible patients, offering longer survival and an improved quality of life compared with long‑term dialysis. Despite these benefits, a substantial portion of the population remains on dialysis because of a persistent shortage of donor organs and multiple barriers that limit access to each stage of the transplant process.

The organ shortage constrains the number of transplants that can be performed, while additional obstacles—including lengthy evaluation periods, geographic disparities, insurance coverage gaps and limited donor availability—further reduce the pool of patients who receive transplants. As a result, many individuals continue to rely on dialysis despite its higher morbidity and mortality rates. Health officials and policymakers continue to monitor these challenges, emphasizing the need for strategies that expand donor supply and streamline access to transplantation services.