Individuals who received a solid organ transplant in the United States were followed up annually for assessment of their health status. These data were recorded in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR). All analyses presented are limited to adults aged 20 years or older at the time of their first organ transplant. These data are nationally-representative of the first-time, solid-organ transplant population with less than 5% lacking information on kidney function.

Diabetes status (type 1 or 2) and hypertension status are as listed at the time of transplant. For all transplant recipients, use of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) to prevent transplant rejection is presented as many of these medications have been shown to be nephrotoxic¹. The recording of data in the SRTR pertaining to CKD/kidney function varied by organ type and is discussed below.

Information on kidney transplant recipients included serum creatinine measurements for each follow-up visit as well as whether the patient has been treated for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) through dialysis or a kidney retransplant since the last follow-up. CKD stages 3-5 is defined by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) study equation eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m². Additional data collected for kidney transplant recipients includes donor type (deceased vs. living donor), and whether the donor was considered an expanded criteria donor (e.g., a donor that may have been advanced in age, had diabetes, or had prior infection with hepatitis B or C).

¹Ojo AO. Renal disease in recipients of nonrenal solid organ transplantation. Semin Nephrol.2007;27(4):498-507.