Based on the data of the Council of Europe - The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and Health (Transplantation Newsletter), Greece for the year 2023 is in 23rd place in the ranking of the 27 EU states, in relation. deceased organ donor index (the number of deceased donors per million of the population), with an index value of 8.4, while the average index in the EU is 19.8. In fact, despite a significant 53% increase in this index compared to 2019 (from 5.5), over the past five years Greece has remained in the bottom five of the relative ranking of the 27 EU states.
On the contrary, Greece for 2023 is in 4th place in the corresponding ranking of the 27 EU states. him living donor kidney transplantation index (living donor kidney transplants per million of the population, where the donor usually comes from the recipient’s family), with an index value of 10.1, compared to the EU average of 6.6. It should be noted that during the three-year period 2020-2022, Greece was consistently in the top five of the ranking of the 27 EU states. for the living donor kidney transplant index.
This fact indicates a stable current dynamic kidney transplant from a living donor in Greece, which is based to a significant extent on the very strong cohesion of the Greek family and especially on the role of the mother. For the five-year period 2019-2023, official data shows that, on average, two-thirds of living kidney donors in Greece were women. The existing dynamics should be strengthened in an organized and systematic manner.
It is reported that in Greece in the last five years 2019-2023 the number of kidney patients end-stage patient, who undergoes painful long-term external dialysis, at 12,500 consistently (at a very significant annual cost to the social security system).
However, during the corresponding time period, an average of 1,280 end-stage renal disease patients were registered on the kidney transplant waiting lists, ie only 10% of those were undergoing bypass dialysis. It is noted that these patients represent approximately 90% of the total registered patients on the waiting lists for kidney, liver, heart and lung transplants.
Therefore, in the context of the implementation of the national plan for organ donation and transplantation in Greece, on the basis of which the new institutional framework for organ donation and transplantation (law 5034/2023) was drawn up, particular emphasis should be put on too. on improving living donor kidney donation. To that end, the effective cooperation of the EOM and the kidney transplant units with the dialysis units throughout Greece is considered necessary, in order to formulate and implement an integrated strategy to support and place kidney transplants from living donors. advanced.
That strategy should include strict supervision of the EOM, in collaboration with the kidney transplant units, in systematically instructing hemodialysis patients in each dialysis unit to undergo the necessary medical tests, in order assess their eligibility for transplantation.
Then, for the patients who will be considered eligible for transplantation, at the same time as their registration on the corresponding waiting list for EOM transplantation, there should be appropriate communication and information about their family environment by specialized and experienced scientific personnel the possibilities, ie process and benefits of living donor transplantation.
In this way, adequate information and awareness of the transplant patients’ relatives will be ensured. It is noted that the cross-transplant program operating at the kidney transplant unit of GNA Laiko is possible to ensure the best level of histocompatibility.
At the same time, the provisions of Article 25 of Law 5034/2023 should be implemented as a matter of priority, regarding the creation and maintenance of a monitoring program of live donors at the EOM, as well as regular preventive monitoring of health. living donors after transplantation, from the kidney transplant units. The EOM should systematically standardize, digitize and supervise the overall implementation framework of the above strategy.
In addition, relevant patient organizations should play an indispensable role in this effort, providing meaningful and useful information based on their relevant experiences and experiences of kidney transplantation. A necessary condition is, of course, the continuous provision of the state to ensure the adequacy and suitability of the medical and nursing staff of the kidney transplant units, as well as the periodic modernization of their biomedical equipment and hotels, with the aim of ensure their operational efficiency and effectiveness. The Panhellenic Kidney Transplant Society will endeavor to support this strategy in every way.
* Mr Nikos Papadatos is the secretary general of the Board of Directors. of the Panhellenic Kidney Transplant Society.
Interview: Time.news Editor with Dr. Maria Konstantinou, Renowned Nephrologist and Organ Donation Advocate
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Konstantinou! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss the organ donation landscape in Greece, as highlighted in the recent report by the Council of Europe.
Dr. Maria Konstantinou: Thank you for having me! It’s important to shed light on this critical issue.
Editor: Based on the report, Greece ranks quite low in terms of deceased organ donors, holding the 23rd position out of 27 EU states with a rate of 8.4 donors per million. What do you believe are the primary reasons behind this ranking?
Dr. Konstantinou: Several factors contribute to this situation. Cultural attitudes towards organ donation often play a crucial role. In Greece, there is still a significant amount of hesitance surrounding the concept of deceased donation, largely due to fears related to medical practices and the sanctity of the body after death. Furthermore, there can be a lack of awareness and education surrounding the benefits of organ donation.
Editor: That’s certainly insightful. On the other hand, Greece excels in living donor kidney transplants, being 4th in the EU with 10.1 living donor transplants per million. What do you attribute this success to?
Dr. Konstantinou: This success highlights the strong familial bonds prevalent in Greek society. Our cultural emphasis on family, especially the role of women in caregiving, has fostered a supportive environment for living organ donation. Many living donors are related to or close to the recipients, which facilitates these kinds of transplants.
Editor: You’ve pointed out an interesting dynamic with living donors. The statistics showed that two-thirds of living donors in Greece were women over the past five years. Why do you think this is the case?
Dr. Konstantinou: Women often take on the caregiving role within families, which may make them more aware of the health needs of their loved ones. Additionally, women might feel a stronger emotional connection to the act of giving life through donation. It’s essential to encourage this trend while also ensuring that potential donors are supported and informed throughout the process.
Editor: With an average of only 1,280 patients on kidney transplant waiting lists compared to 12,500 undergoing dialysis—a stark contrast—what improvements do you recommend for increasing organ donation rates in Greece?
Dr. Konstantinou: We need a robust national plan for organ donation, such as the recently introduced law 5034/2023. This involves better collaboration between dialysis units and transplant centers, ensuring that patients are informed about their eligibility for living donations.
Editor: Effective communication seems key. What specific initiatives do you believe should be implemented to raise awareness and encourage living donations?
Dr. Konstantinou: Absolutely, targeted educational campaigns are crucial. We must instill confidence in patients on dialysis about the living donation process through their healthcare providers. This includes providing clear information on processes, potential outcomes, and addressing any fears they may have about donating.
Editor: Furthermore, what role should family members play in supporting potential living donors?
Dr. Konstantinou: Family support is vital. It’s about creating an open dialogue about the benefits and the emotional aspects of living donation. Family members must be educated, not just about the medical processes involved but also about the transformative impact of donation on both the donor and recipient.
Editor: Before we conclude, what message would you like to convey to our readers regarding organ donation, particularly living donation?
Dr. Konstantinou: I urge everyone to engage in conversations about organ donation, whether it’s about living or deceased donation. Every person has the potential to save a life, and understanding the importance of these actions can create a ripple effect of hope in our communities.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Konstantinou, for your valuable insights today. Your expertise highlights the compassionate and strategic approach we need to enhance organ donation in Greece.
Dr. Konstantinou: Thank you for having me! Let’s keep the conversation going.
