Episode 29: Behind the Paper: Tx Improves Survival in a PD-first Program | Behind the Paper

In this episode of Behind the Paper, Macey Levan, Social Media Editor for the Transplantation journals, speaks with Robert Freercks and Kathryn Manning about their article: Transplantation Improves Patient Survival in a PD-first Program in South Africa The discussion focuses on kidney replacement therapy and transplantation access in a public sector renal program in South Africa. The study followed patients with kidney failure referred to a public sector renal unit and highlights the major impact of resource constraints, strict selection criteria, and limited transplantation capacity. The episode explores South Africa’s PD-first model, the challenges faced by patients who need kidney replacement therapy, and the barriers that remain even for patients who are accepted into dialysis care. The authors emphasize that transplantation dramatically improves survival when patients are able to access it, but that broader system-level improvements are needed to expand treatment capacity and improve equity. The conversation also highlights the importance of primary prevention, stronger data collection systems, policy advocacy, and increased funding in resource-constrained settings. Read the article: https://journals.lww.com/transplantationdirect/fulltext/10.1097/txd.0000000000001914~transplantation-improves-patient-survival-in-a-pd-first Presented by Transplantation Direct and the Transplantation journals. Powered by the PULSE Podcast. #TransplantationDirect #KidneyTransplantation #SouthAfrica