Campaign For Transplant Patient Fairness Cites Evidence

U.S. Newswire

Contact: Tina Urbanski

202-484-2776

for the Campaign for Transplant Patient Fairness

WASHINGTON U.S. Newswire -- A new analysis of the national liver distribution system released today provides yet more evidence that the current distribution system needs to be changed. The analysis, compiled by three members of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee, concurs with a report issued by the IOM last year, also recommending broader sharing of organs for the most medically urgent patients.

The analysis of 1998 data showed that nearly 300 of the most medically urgent patients were overlooked for transplants while less sick patients received organs. The authors, writing in this week's Science, said in a letter that, "If broader sharing of organs were implemented during this time period, as many as 298 of the most medically urgent patients who did not receive an organ could have received a liver transplant, alleviating substantially the shortage of organs for the most needy patients." This new analysis, issued independently by the authors, reconfirms the underlying basis and rationale that was used by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as it drafted and implemented the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Final Rule designed to change the way organs are distributed.

The Campaign for Transplant Patient Fairness hopes this new data will serve as a wake-up call to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to change the way that organs are allocated in compliance with the Final Rule. The IOM, in its report to Congress, had supported this concept as well as the need for greater government oversight. The Campaign believes UNOS must not be allowed to continue to drag its feet, as this new analysis clearly shows that the current system is not adequate and that patients suffer each day as a result. Members of Congress must support HHS, hold UNOS accountable and put an end to state laws that prevent the sharing of donated organs across state lines.

The Campaign for Transplant Patient Fairness is a voluntary alliance of the nation's leading patient advocacy groups, transplant hospitals, and organ procurement organizations dedicated to enhancing congressional support for a more equitable organ allocation system and a nationwide effort to stimulate increased organ donation. The Campaign seeks to save more lives and represents a unified voice seeking positive change on behalf of patients. The Campaign also works to guide the transplant community toward reasonable resolution of contentious issues.

Copyright © 2000, U.S. Newswire.

This article posted July 30, 2000.