Solid organ transplantation in southern Brazil: a comparative epidemiological analysis from 2015 to 2025

Abstract

Objective: To describe and compare the profile and annual variation of solid organ transplants performed in the states of Southern Brazil between 2015 and 2025. Methods: A descriptive, comparative and quantitative epidemiological study was conducted using secondary data from the Brazilian National Transplant System. Solid organ transplants performed in Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul were included, excluding corneal and bone marrow transplants. Analysis of absolute and relative frequencies was performed, annual rates per million population (pmp) were calculated using IBGE estimates, and Pearson's chi-square test (p<0.05) was applied using IBM SPSS Statistics® software. Results: A total of 21,251 transplants were analyzed, with a predominance of males (62.7%), the 50–64-year age group (40.4%), and kidney transplants (66.5%). Paraná accounted for 43.1% of the records and presented the highest aggregate rate (72.3 pmp). Significant associations were found between state and organ type (χ²=1177.881; p<0.001; V=0.166) and between state and age group (χ²=481.928; p<0.001). Conclusion: Despite the high transplant performance in Southern Brazil, the study demonstrated heterogeneity in transplant activity among the states. The absence of information on residence, demand, and waiting lists prevents direct conclusions regarding inequalities in access.