Kidney Transplants
Nearly than 89,000 people in the U.S. are on the waiting list for kidney transplants.
About the Kidney
The kidneys function as our body’s filters, cleaning blood of waste and impurities. They also release hormones that regulate blood pressure, control production of red blood cells, and promote growth of healthy bones.
Those people who need kidney transplants have suffered from some form of kidney failure, which can be a result of diabetes, high blood pressure or a number of diseases that can be inherited. If left untreated, kidney failure can be fatal.
Transplants
While most people are born with two kidneys, we can survive with one. That is how individuals are able to be living kidney donors, and help save the lives of a loved one or even a complete stranger, as in the case of altruistic donation.
- In the U.S., there are nearly 89,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant.
- Locally, there are more than 5,200 patients waiting for a kidney transplant.
- The average amount of time that someone waits for a kidney transplant is five years.
- In 2008, there were 8,816 kidney transplants performed nationally.
Find Related Info
Kidney Transplant, Dialysis, Living Donor
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