Davis SO, Zubair A, Igbokwe M, Abu M, Chiedozie CA, Sanni Q, Jesuyajolu D. A Scoping Review of Kidney Transplantation in Africa: How Far have We Come?
World J Surg 2023;
47:2113-2123. [PMID:
37160654 DOI:
10.1007/s00268-023-07042-0]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Kidney transplantation is a life-saving treatment for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. However, access to this treatment in Africa lags behind other regions, leading to significant disparities in care. We aimed to analyse the indications, demographics, and outcomes of kidney transplantation in Africa.
METHOD
We conducted a systematic review of studies from PubMed, Google Scholar, and African Journal Online using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We pooled and analysed data on procedure type, graft outcomes, donor type, prophylaxis, post-operative complications, and survival from 33 eligible studies.
RESULT
The most common causes of ESKD requiring transplantation were glomerulonephritis and nephroangiosclerosis. Open nephrectomy was the predominant surgical approach (95%). Living donors accounted for 56.3% (4221) of all donors, with 68.5% being related to the recipient. Cadaveric donors accounted for 43.7% (3280) of transplants. Graft rejection was the most common surgical complication (39.44%), and 60.49% of patients developed hypertension in the follow-up period.
CONCLUSION
Our study highlights the potential of kidney transplantation to improve the lives of ESKD patients in Africa. However, further research and infrastructure development are necessary to make this treatment more widespread and successful.
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