According to the multinational study from the International Society of Nephrology titled Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN - GKHA), there are roughly 850 million people in the world living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which accounts for about 10% of the world's population. Globally, CKD is one of the leading causes of death, and those from low- and middle-income countries are at an even higher risk. Most people with CKD do not even know they have it.
CKD occurs when your kidneys, the pair of organs that filter your blood, no longer function as they should. Not only do your kidneys filter your blood, but they also play a role in red blood cell production, blood pressure control, mineral balance, and bone health.
You can lower your risk for CKD and reduce complications by making healthier choices such as: exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet low in sodium and cholesterol, and controlling other conditions you may have such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
If CKD advances to end stage kidney disease (ESKD), the treatment options, as stated by the Mayo Clinic, are supportive care, dialysis, or kidney transplant.
What is a living donation?
There are two types of kidney donation: deceased and living. Deceased donation is when the donated organ comes from someone who died unexpectedly. Most kidney donations are from deceased donors. Living donation is when an organ, such as a kidney, is given by a living person to a person in need. Living donation has several added benefits when compared to deceased donation.
Globally, for every million people over the age of 18, the ISN-GKHA reports that on average three people receive a living kidney donation. In the United States, in 2022 there were a total of 5684 living kidney transplants performed, which means 17.5 Americans per million people over the age of 18 received a living kidney donation. In Canada, 12.3 Canadians per million people received a living kidney donation in 2022. These numbers are both well above the global average.
The Canadian Institute for Health Information states there have been major advancements and improvements made in recent years with organ transplant and donation, however there is room for improvement. Some patients die waiting for organ donations due to extremely long wait times.
As stated by the National Kidney Foundation, living organ donation is often successful, with a donated kidney lasting on average from 15-20 years. While there are several benefits, there are also major risks involved.
What are the benefits of living donation?
Surgery can be scheduled at a time when both the recipient and the donor are likely to have a successful outcome.
The transplanted organ often functions immediately, which is not always the case with a deceased donation.
Can be done between relatives, offering the possibility for a better genetic match and better outcome.
If you are the donor, you will get priority on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) transplant list if you are ever in need of a future transplant.
The donor often has a positive emotional experience when helping improve a life in such a profound way.
The recipient is removed from the national transplant list, freeing up that spot for another person in need.
What are the risks of living donation?
The donor may experience various short- and long-term medical complications.
The donor may experience stress before and after the surgery.
There may be feelings of guilt or anger if the recipient’s body rejects the organ.
Financially, it can be costly to be an organ donor with the extra travelling, testing, and medical procedures involved.
The donor may not qualify for certain life or health insurance benefits or may face difficulty obtaining certain jobs (such as military or law enforcement).
Key points:
CKD is a serious disease that is a leading cause of death in the world today.
There are things you can do to lower and manage your risk.
Living kidney donation can possibly be a treatment option for those with advanced CKD
It is important for both the donor and the recipient to know and understand the benefits and risks associated with living organ donation.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk for CKD and share knowledge about living kidney donation. Through awareness and education, we can act against this chronic disease.
Sources:
https://www.kisupplements.org/article/S2157-1716(21)00066-6/fulltext Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board