183-P

Abstract

Aim To review outcomes for renal transplantation in indigenous Australians. Methods Based at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, the Central Northern Adelaide Renal and Transplantation Service (CNARTS) is responsible for renal transplantation for South Australia and Northern Territory. A review into the outcomes of renal transplantation in indigenous recipients at CNARTS was undertaken. Transplant outcomes for the last 5 years were reviewed and compared with outcomes for non-indegenous recipients. Results The review indicates that graft and patient survival rates are considerably lower than the non-indigenous population. Higher comparative rates of infection and non-compliance were observed. Indigenous Australians have higher incident rates of end stage renal failure than the non-indigenous population. Conclusions Many challengers exist with the treatment of ESRF in indigenous Australians. In South Australia and Northern Territory, indigenous peoples predominately live in rural and remote communities, large distances from dialysis centres and hospitals. Social factors and nomadic lifestyles also contribute to poorer outcomes. Most indigenous kidney transplants are from deceased organ donors and are generally less well HLA matched due to the conserved nature of the indigenous MHC. This review suggests the efficacy of renal transplantation as a treatment for ESRF in the indigenous population in Australia is reduced when compared to the non-indigenous population.