Economic Analysis of the Treatment of End-stage Renal Disease Treatment: Living-donor Kidney Transplantation Versus Hemodialysis

Introduction. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a major public health problem in the Spanish health system. Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice, offering better survival and cost-effectiveness than other alternatives. This study aimed to compare the cost of living-donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) during the first year after transplantation with that of hemodialysis (HD). Method. A prospective, descriptive study of cost and efficacy was performed in the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona from January to December 2011. We included 106 patients (57 undergoing HD and 49 receiving a LDKT). The costs of LDKT (donor and recipient) and HD were calculated based on our economic database program. Results. The mean age of recipients and donors was 46 +/- 15 and 52 +/- 10 years, respectively, and 67% of the recipients were men. In HD patients, the mean age was 67 +/- 11 years and 62% were men. The total cost of LDKT was [SIC]29,897.91 ([SIC]8,128.44 for donors and [SIC]21,769.47 for recipients). The total cost of HD was [SIC]43,000.88 ([SIC]37,917 for HD and related procedures plus [SIC]5,082 for transport). LDKT represented a savings of [SIC]13,102.97 per patient/year and the payback period was less than 1 year. Quality-adjusted life years were higher in LDKT than in HD patients. Conclusion. LDKT is cost effective during the first year after transplantation and is associated with enhanced quality of life. From both the medical and economic points of view, pre-emptive LDKD should be encouraged in Spain to reduce the health budget for ESRD.