Risks of Kidney Function Decline After Kidney Donation and Post-Donation Management Guide

Living kidney donation is one of the most effective treatments for patients with chronic kidney disease. A recent study in New Zealand has confirmed that the long-term risk of kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and complications following kidney donation is very low. This article discusses the characteristics of suitable kidney donors and the best practices for post-donation health management.

Who Is a Suitable Kidney Donor?

• Healthy adults with normal kidney function
• Individuals without chronic diseases such as hypertension or diabetes
• People with sufficient renal cortical volume

Meeting these conditions helps maintain kidney function more effectively after donation.

Summary of Kidney Donor Health Management

Kidney donors should follow these guidelines to maintain good health post-donation:

• Regular health check-ups to monitor kidney function
• Maintaining a low-sodium and balanced diet
• Engaging in consistent aerobic exercise and weight management
• Closely monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Utilizing specialized kidney donor clinics for continuous medical support

Kidney donor clinics provide long-term, specialized medical care, including pre- and post-surgery health management and psychosocial support to ensure donor well-being.

New Zealand Study Methods

The New Zealand research team collected and analyzed long-term health data from 1,339 kidney donors between 1988 and 2018. The primary objectives were to assess the incidence of kidney failure, mortality rates, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and acute complications within 90 days post-surgery. Data was sourced from the New Zealand Ministry of Health (MoH), hospital records, and ANZDATA to ensure accuracy.

New Zealand Study Results

• Kidney failure incidence: Only 5 donors (0.4%) developed kidney failure, equivalent to 3 per 10,000 person-years.
• Primary causes of kidney failure: Diabetic kidney disease (4 cases), glomerulonephritis (1 case).
• Mortality rates: 10-year survival rate was 99%, and 30-year survival rate was 88.7%, comparable to or better than the general population.
• CVD incidence: 11.6 per 10,000 person-years, slightly higher in men.
• Postoperative complications: 22% experienced complications, but severe cases were below 5%.

Conclusion and Implications of the New Zealand Study

Long-term health risks for kidney donors are very low. However, individuals with diabetes or hypertension should be more cautious. Regular post-donation monitoring and proper management are crucial for maintaining optimal health.

Brief Overview of Related Studies in Korea and Abroad

Similar findings have been reported in Korea, the United States, and Europe. Studies suggest that structured kidney donor clinics significantly reduce the risk of kidney function decline after donation.

Conclusion

Appropriate donor selection and continuous health management programs effectively mitigate the risk of kidney function decline after donation. Regular health check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are essential for kidney donors to maintain long-term well-being.

Focus Keyphrase: Kidney function decline after donation

Meta Description: An in-depth look at the risks of kidney function decline after kidney donation and best practices for post-donation health management.

Tags: kidney donation, kidney function decline, donor health management, kidney failure prevention, kidney transplant

Reference:

• Chan et al. (2025), Outcomes of Living Kidney Donors Following Donor Nephrectomy in Aotearoa New Zealand. Kidney International Reports.

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