[KIDNEY FUNCTION AFTER LIVING KIDNEY DONATION AND PARAMETERS ASSOCIATED WITH IT]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplantation Immunology
• Urology

Context:

• Living kidney donation involves nephrectomy, resulting in reduced renal mass and function for the donor.
• While living kidney donors face a higher risk of end-stage renal disease, the absolute risk is low.
• This study retrospectively analyzed data from 365 living kidney donors at Tel Aviv Medical Center between 2000 and 2019.

Purpose:

• To evaluate changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) post-living kidney donation.
• To identify parameters associated with GFR changes after donation.

Summary:

• Over a mean follow-up of 7.9 years, no donors reached an estimated GFR (eGFR) below 30 ml/min/m2, with 74.3% maintaining eGFR above 60 ml/min/m2.
• Older age, male sex, and baseline kidney function were linked to reduced kidney function and greater eGFR reduction post-donation.
• Elevated blood pressure and urine albumin excretion were observed post-donation but did not correlate with eGFR.

Impact:

• Kidney donation is associated with excellent long-term outcomes for donors.
• The average GFR reduction is 25% of baseline, influenced by donor age, sex, and pre-donation GFR.
• Further research is needed to determine if post-donation changes in blood pressure, albuminuria, and GFR impact long-term health outcomes.