Changing donor source pattern for kidney transplantation over 40 years: a single-center experience

Area of Science:

• Transplantation research
• Organ donation trends
• Nephrology and urology

Background:

• Kidney transplantations predominantly utilize living donors.
• Understanding evolving donor demographics is crucial for future supply.
• This study reviews 40 years of donor type trends at a single center.

Observation:

• Living related donors decreased from 84% (1970s) to 61% (2000s).
• Deceased donor proportion rose from 3.3% (1980s) to 19.9% (2000s).
• Overseas transplantations constituted 20% of cases in the 2000s.

Findings:

• Living unrelated donors, particularly spouses, maintained a steady proportion.
• A significant increase in deceased donor kidney transplants was observed.
• Post-2000, overseas transplantations became a notable, albeit fluctuating, source.

Implications:

• Donor type shifts are linked to societal and systemic changes.
• This analysis provides a reference for predicting future donor supply dynamics.
• Centers must adapt strategies to changing donor availability and demographics.