Outcomes of Living Related Kidney Donors Following Donor Nephrectomy in Pakistan

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease. In Pakistan, living related kidney donors constitute the primary source of kidney transplantation. However, data on postdonation outcomes in this population remain limited.

This study aims to evaluate the short- and intermediate-term effects of unilateral nephrectomy on donor kidney function, physical parameters, and glycemic status among living related kidney donors in Pakistan.

This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute from March 2018 to February 2021. Predonation data were obtained from hospital records, and postdonation follow-up assessments were conducted at intervals ranging from 6 months to 3 years.

A total of 132 donors donated a kidney, and 100 participated in follow-up assessments. The mean postdonation serum creatinine increased significantly by 0.27 mg/dL (P < .05), while estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased by 30 mL/min (P < .05). Systolic blood pressure increased slightly (by 1.35 mm Hg), while diastolic blood pressure decreased, although neither change was statistically significant (P > .05). Body mass index showed a minor increase of 0.5 kg/m², and HbA1c levels remained stable with no significant postdonation changes (P > .05).

The study findings suggest that while kidney donation results in a significant decline in renal function in the short term, compensatory mechanisms contribute to gradual improvement over time. These results highlight the importance of continued postdonation monitoring to ensure donor health and identify potential long-term risks.