Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a highly specialized, expensive and resource-intense medical procedure that can be associated with racial disparities. We review the prevailing literature on racial disparities in HCT in the United States and describe areas for future research and interventions. We discuss the complexity of interpreting race as a biological and social determinant of disease in biomedical research, especially as it relates to HCT. In the United States, race is often a surrogate for socioeconomic, education and health insurance status. We also discuss some of the nuances to consider while reviewing the literature on racial disparities. Disparities by race exist in three areas related to HCT: donor availability, access to HCT and outcomes of HCT. African-Americans/Blacks have a lower likelihood of finding an unrelated donor. Race and ethnicity definitions are country-specific and reconciling race data can represent significant challenges to unrelated donor registries worldwide. African-Americans/Blacks do not have the same access to autologous and allogeneic HCT as Whites. Racial disparities in outcomes of HCT are more prevalent among allogeneic HCT than autologous HCT recipients. More research is required to understand the biological, social, cultural, medical and financial aspects of race that may influence access to HCT and survival after transplantation. Better understanding of racial disparities will minimize inequities, inform health policy, guide development of interventions targeted to eliminate disparities and ensure equitable access to HCT for all populations.

The annual mortality for the Beijing MHD patients was lower than that for their USRDS counterparts, and this difference existed after baseline demographics were adjusted. This survival difference between the Beijing and the USRDS MHD cohorts could be attributed to differences in race or practice pattern. More studies are needed to validate our hypothesis.

Breast cancer is a significant public health concern, and addressing disparities in breast cancer screening is crucial for improving early detection and reducing mortality rates. This review article examines efforts to bridge the gap between awareness and action in reducing disparities in breast cancer screening. A systematic approach was employed to gather relevant literature using various databases. The selected studies encompassed a range of interventions, including policy changes, community-based programs, culturally competent interventions, technological advancements, and patient navigation. The review highlights the importance of policies and legislation in improving access to screening services and the impact of community-based initiatives in addressing disparities. Culturally competent interventions, tailored messaging, and language support were found to be effective in improving screening rates among diverse populations. Technological advancements, such as telemedicine and mobile health applications, were identified as promising approaches to increase access to screening services. Patient navigation programs effectively addressed barriers to screening and improved screening rates. The review also discusses evaluating efforts, limitations, and the need for continuous improvement. Future directions and recommendations include addressing gaps in the existing literature, proposing research directions, and providing recommendations for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers. By implementing these recommendations and working collaboratively, we can strive for equitable access to breast cancer screening for all populations, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and reduced disparities.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a potent risk factor for post-transplant cardiovascular complications and infections. Management of diabetes and its complications in renal transplant recipients is a challenging task. This is a frequently encountered predicament in transplant setups. An erratic glycemic control during dialysis is a predictor of poor graft and patient outcomes after kidney transplantation. Literature review reveals majority studies explaining post-transplant diabetes and its role in graft and patient survival. However, a wide range of opinion exists about the impact of pre-transplant DM on transplant outcomes. Measurement of HbA1c levels is a significant tool for assessment of glycemic control. A target HbA1c level of <7% is recommended for diabetic patients irrespective of presence or absence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). However, diabetic patients with CKD are at risk of hypoglycemia owing to decreased insulin metabolism so it is safe to keep HbA1c levels between 7-8% in this population. Immunosuppressive medications have a strong contributory role in deterioration of glycemic control. So, it is imperative to achieve strict pre-transplant diabetes control in order to avoid post-transplant complications. Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) has been a subject of a large number of trials and is not only considered a serious metabolic complication but also a predisposing factor of diabetic nephropathy in transplanted kidney.