Gender disparities in kidney replacement therapies and transplantation in Colombia

Abstract

Background In chronic kidney disease (CKD), there are historical inequities in multiple stages of the pathway for organ transplantation. Women have been recognized as disadvantaged within this process even after several efforts. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the prevalence and incidence of CKD by gender and their access to Kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in Colombia. Methods A cross-sectional study based on secondary analysis of national information on CKD, hypertension, diabetes, waiting list, deceased, and living donor transplantation between 2015 and 2020. Results In Colombia, 4.934.914 patients were diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, or CKD. 60,64% were female, with a mean age of 63.84 years (SD 14,36). Crude incidence for hypertension (10.85 vs. 7.21 /1000 inhabitants), diabetes mellitus (3.77 vs. 2.98 /1000 inhabitants), and CKD (4 vs. 2 /1000 inhabitants) was higher for females. Crude incidence for KRT was 86.45 cases /100.0000 inhabitants. In 2020, 2978 patients were on the waiting list, 44% female. There were 251 deaths on the waiting list, 38% female. This year, 517 kidney transplants were performed, and only 40% were female. Conclusion In Colombia, there are proportionally more females with CKD and precursor comorbidities. Nevertheless, there are fewer females on the waiting list and transplanted annually.