Most depressing statistic in nephrology

The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) prepares an Annual Report in collaboration with the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) on the state transplants in America. In 2008 there were fewer transplants done than in the previous year. Kidney transplants peaked in 2006 at 18,059 and have fallen for two straight years.

The total number of organs transplanted decreased from 27,586 in 2007 to 27,281 in 2008. This was an overall decrease of 305 organs transplanted (1.1 percent), including 91 (1.4 percent) fewer living donor transplants.

Here is the data on kidney transplants displayed graphically. Note the ever increasing demand for transplant as represented by the number of patients on the waiting list:

Here is the same data from the USRDS:

Increasing number of patients on the wait list, longer waiting times and fewer total transplants. Terrible.