Abstract: SA-PO1084
Trends in Kidney Transplantation in Peru: A 15-Year Analysis, 2010-2024
Session Information
- Transplantation: Clinical - Postkidney Transplant Outcomes and Potpourri
November 08, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Transplantation
- 2102 Transplantation: Clinical
Authors
- Nombera, Natalia R., The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Zeballos, Renzo, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima District, Lima Region, Peru
- Nombera-Aznaran, Milagros Fernanda, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima District, Lima Region, Peru
- Guevara Lazo, David Rafael, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima District, Lima Region, Peru
- Chang-Davila, Domingo G., Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo, Lima District, Lima Region, Peru
Background
Kidney transplantation (KT) is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease, offering better survival and quality of life when compared to dialysis. However, access remains limited and unequal in low- and middle-income countries. This study analyzes national KT trends from 2010 to 2024 in Peru.
Methods
Using Peru’s national KT registry, we examined trends by donor type and age group (adult vs. pediatric). We standardized transplant rates per million population (pmp) with World Bank data. For the 2019–2024 period, we also analyzed recipient sex, age, and healthcare institution.
Results
Peru has experienced fluctuations in KT rates, the highest rate was in 2011 at 7.27 transplants pmp, followed by a significant decline during the COVID-19 pandemic (1.7 pmp in 2020 and 1.48 pmp in 2021). Deceased donor transplants reached 6.14 pmp (2011), then declined to 0.88 (2020). Living donor rates stayed under 1.5 pmp, rising to 2.36 (2023) and 2.2 (2024). Only one unrelated living donor transplant occurred during this period. Pediatric transplants remained low, with annual cases ranging from 0 to 30 annually. A sub-analysis of KT performed between 2019 and 2024 showed a median recipient age of 36 years (±16.9), 56.3% were male, and most transplants occurred in Lima (73.8%), followed by Chiclayo (9.6%), Arequipa (8.6%), Junín (4.49%), and Cusco (3.6%). Regarding healthcare institutions, ESSALUD performed 86.3% of all transplants; MINSA, 12.1%; and other institutions, 1.6%.
Conclusion
This study reveals significant variability in KT rates in Peru, with a marked decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most transplants were performed in Lima and within ESSALUD, highlighting regional and institutional inequities. Pediatric transplants remained consistently low. These findings highlight the need for national strategies to strengthen KT infrastructure, expand donor programs, and improve access to all regions and age groups.