Removal of DSA from KP/Pancreas Allocation

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewThis review describes the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) recently implemented policy to remove donation service area (DSA) and region from combined kidney and pancreas (KP) and pancreas (PA) allocation. It also highlights the OPTN 6-month post-implementation monitoring report data analysis findings and discusses the next steps in terms of continuous distribution. Recent Findings Post-implementation data demonstrates an increase in transplantation rates and volumes for KP and PA post-policy implementation. Distance from donor hospital to transplant center increased for KP but decreased for PA, with minor increases in cold ischemia time for KP. Kidney transplant rates and volumes also increased. Summary As predicted, the elimination of DSA has resulted in improvement in access and utilization of pancreata for transplant with increases in both KP and PA volumes without detriment to kidney alone volumes. Minimal increases in CIT and increased utilization are encouraging for pancreas transplantation overall and are seemingly positive indicators for a continuous distribution.