Clinical Impact of a Protocolized Kidney Donor Follow-up System

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplant Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Increasing life expectancy raises concerns about long-term kidney function in living donors post-nephrectomy.
• Effective post-donation management is crucial for donor renal health.
• This study evaluates a protocolized follow-up system for kidney donors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical impact of a protocolized kidney donor follow-up system managed by nephrologists.
• To evaluate improvements in renal function adaptability and compliance after nephrectomy.
• To identify the effect on risk factors for chronic kidney disease in donors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 427 living kidney donors undergoing nephrectomy (Jan 2010-Dec 2014).
• Donors followed for at least 2 years, comparing pre- and post-donor clinic periods (established Jan 2013).
• Primary outcomes: low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and renal function adaptability; secondary: compliance, hyperuricemia, microalbuminuria.

Main Results:

• Fewer instances of poor renal adaptation in the donor clinic period compared to the pre-donor clinic period.
• A trend towards less frequent low eGFR in the donor clinic group.
• Shorter outpatient visit intervals, more frequent visits within 6 months post-donation, and earlier detection of de novo hyperuricemia were observed.

Conclusions:

• A protocolized donor clinic run by nephrologists enhances post-nephrectomy renal outcomes.
• Improved compliance and management of chronic kidney disease risk factors in kidney donors.
• Systematic follow-up supports long-term donor health and kidney function.