[Kidney transplantation in Norway].
Twenty years ago, in 1969, a national kidney transplant program was established, based on uniform indications and preparations for transplantation. Since 1983, all transplants have been performed at one centre. We describe the organization, development, treatment policies and results of the program. The national transplant rate of 42 patients per million population per year (p.m.p.) keeps up with the demand. In contradiction to the international experience of rapidly expanding waiting lists and dialysis populations, a balance has been achieved in Norway, with a high transplant rate, a restricted and stable waiting list (mean 23 p.m.p.), waiting time (mean 5 months) and dialysis population. Approx. 80 per cent of all patients requiring long term renal replacement therapy actually receive a transplant, as against approx. 50% in Western Europe. Seventy-five to 100 per cent of the transplants function for more than a year, and 55-80 per cent for more than five years, depending on the donor and HLA compatibility. Other significant risk factors are age and HLA sensitization. Since 1983, 46 diabetics with renal failure have been treated by combined renal and pancreatic transplantation.