Clinical and laboratory profile of living kidney donors undergoing outpatient follow-up

Abstract

Kidney transplantation is considered the ideal renal replacement therapy for treating end-stage renal disease. Thus, a kidney from a living donor is the most suitable option for transplantation, as it promotes better survival compared to a kidney from a deceased donor. However, there are concerns about the possible long-term adverse medical consequences in these living donors. The study aims to outline the clinical and laboratory profile of living kidney donors. This is a quantitative, descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional study conducted with patients undergoing outpatient follow-up at a university hospital in the city of Recife-PE. Data collection was performed using a structured form prepared by the researcher that included four blocks of variables: sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and anthropometric measurements. Descriptive statistical analyses, including measures of position (mean, mode, median) and dispersion (variance, standard deviation), were performed to characterize the population. The data collection procedure was performed only after approval by the Human Research Ethics Committee, in accordance with Resolution 466/12 of the National Health Council. The study involved 32 livings kidney donors, predominantly male (56.2%) and aged between 26 and 66 years. The majority had completed high school (59.4%) and self-identified as brown (78.1%). The comorbidities found in these patients were dyslipidemia (68.8%), obesity (37.9%), and hypertension (31.2%). Regarding laboratory results, the tests were within acceptable limits for both males and females. Therefore, it can be concluded that the profile of living kidney donors is predominantly male, with a mean age of 48.2 years, complete high school education, and brown skin color. Clinically, the majority have normal weight, no diabetes, dyslipidemia, and decline in renal function in older age groups.