Unexpected Medical Conditions Discovered During Live Donor Kidney Evaluation: Single Center Study.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplant Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) is the preferred treatment for end-stage kidney disease.
• Potential living kidney donors (PLKDs) undergo rigorous screening to ensure safety.
• An increasing number of PLKDs are being excluded due to conditions identified during screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate local trends in PLKD exclusion rates.
• To identify newly diagnosed conditions leading to exclusion.
• To analyze exclusion trends by age, race, and sex.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective electronic medical record review.
• Analysis of 429 PLKDs screened at Rhode Island Hospital Kidney Transplant Center (December 2012 - April 2023).
• Data collected included age, race, gender, relationship to recipient, and exclusion reasons.

Main Results:

• 115 out of 429 PLKDs (26.8%) were excluded for newly diagnosed conditions.
• Most common diagnoses: renal issues (49%), diabetes mellitus (33%), hypertension (13%).
• Many excluded donors had comorbid diagnoses.

Conclusions:

• Newly diagnosed, treatable conditions are a significant reason for PLKD exclusion.
• High prevalence suggests potential gaps in primary care and healthcare continuity.
• Emphasizes the importance of early intervention and follow-up care for excluded PLKDs.