Basic characteristics of living kidney donors in Bangladesh: a single-center experience

Abstract

Background: Kidney transplantation is the best treatment modality for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. In Bangladesh, kidney transplantation was started in 1982. Till date living kidney donation is the only source of kidney transplantation. In this study we evaluated the demographic and clinical characteristics of kidney donors. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Kidney Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, Bangladesh. Data of kidney donors from 2006 to 2020 was collected and analyzed with SPSS software. Results: A total of 503 donors were studied. The mean age of donors was 41.9 years (range, 21-67). Nearly two thirds of donors were female (63%) while only one third of donors were male (37%). Mothers comprised 37.2% of total donor pool followed by sisters (16.7%), brothers (16.3%), fathers (9.5%), and wives (5.4%). Majority donors were Muslims (94%). The commonest blood group was O (41%). The average weight was 55.4 kg; mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 114 mmHg and 76 mmHg respectively. About 10.2% donors were hypertensive according to JNC8 classification. Investigations showed mean hemoglobin 12.8 mg/dL, serum creatinine 75.5 mol/L, eGFR 86.4, PCR 0.17, calcium 2.2 mmol/L, phosphate 1.2 mmol/L, uric acid 260 mol/ L; fasting and 2hABF blood sugar 5.9 mmol/L and 7.7 mmol/L respectively. About 12.6% donors had impaired glucose tolerance according to ADA criteria. Ultrasonography showed that average size of right kidney 9.4 cm, left kidney 9.6 cm. CT angiogram demonstrated that 4.6% donor kidneys had cyst, 1.4% had stone and 25.2% had accessory renal arteries. Split renal function assessed using Tc-99m DTPA found that mean GFR of right kidney 48.7 mL/min, left kidney 49.6 mL/min and mean total GFR 98.8 mL/min. In 0.5% donors eGFR was less than 60%. Conclusions: This is the baseline profile of kidney donors of Bangladesh. This knowledge will be useful during selection of both living and deceased organ donors.