Predicting Residual Renal Function and Long-Term Renal Function Recovery in Living Kidney Donors Using Pre-Donation...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplant Surgery
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Living kidney donation typically results in initial glomerular filtration rate reduction.
• Renal function recovery post-donation is a key concern for donor health.
• Predicting residual renal function using computed tomography (CT) volumetry is an emerging area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between predicted residual renal function and actual renal function compensation after kidney donation.
• To assess the impact of age on renal function recovery in living kidney donors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 57 living kidney donors (June 2011-October 2021).
• Analysis of kidney function at predonation and 3 months, 1 year, and 3 years postdonation.
• Calculation of predicted residual renal function using CT volumetry and predonation estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Main Results:

• Donors aged ≥ 65 years had lower postdonation eGFR and renal functional recovery rates at 3 months and 1 year compared to younger donors.
• No significant difference in eGFR or recovery rates was observed between age groups at 3 years postdonation.
• Longitudinal changes in eGFR and renal functional recovery differed significantly between the age groups.

Conclusions:

• Predonation renal volume declines with age in living kidney donors.
• Age correlates with postdonation eGFR, but older donors demonstrate long-term renal functional recovery.
• Assessing predicted renal functional reserve is recommended for older living kidney donors.