The global burden of chronic kidney disease is increasing and is projected to become the fifth most common cause of years of lives lost globally by 2040. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the two main causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, which are responsible for up to two-thirds of the cases.
In the case of kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), a kidney transplant is considered the best treatment option because it can increase the chances of living a longer, healthier life.
Alternative to dialysis
In the UAE, the Mediclinic City Hospital’s transplant programme offers patients suffering from end-stage renal disease an alternative to dialysis. The programme enjoys a strong and supportive partnership with Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) helping to transform the nation's laws on organ donation and transplant and making the service available to the UAE's citizens and residents.
“Our entire community has embraced this endeavour,” says Dr. Farhad Janahi, Assistant Professor of Surgery, MBRU, Consultant Urologist and part of the Mediclinic City Hospital Transplant Team. “We are extremely grateful to all who made this possible.”
This year, Mediclinic City Hospital has also signed a three-party agreement with Al Jalila Children’s Speciality Hospital and MBRU to collaborate on activities related to organ transplant services. The collaboration will ensure that the three entities work closely with the National Transplant Program led by MOHAP as well as other health authorities, government and non-government entities to support transplant efforts in the UAE and the region.
Treatment plan
The transplant committee at Mediclinic City Hospital provides clinical oversight by assessing the suitability of every patient and formally agrees on the most appropriate treatment plan for all cases before proceeding to donation or placing a patient on a waitlist with the National Transplant Committee.
According to Dr. Janahi, the transplant committee is a true multidisciplinary team meeting involving all the involved specialities – surgical, medical, nursing and the medical director – to organise and oversee all renal transplant activities within the hospital.
“Each patient is discussed in the committee meeting and decisions of adding to list or need of further investigation or assessment and, if needed, referral to a specific specialist as needed takes place,” Dr. Janahi explains. “Depending on the patient, some may need immunological, medical or surgical treatment to enhance their overall health prior to kidney transplantation. Also, depending on the blood group and other immunological tests, patients could be on the list for three months and more. Children are given priority.”