BACKGROUND: Long-term consequences of donor nephrectomy might be reduced kidney function, increased risk for cardiovascular disease, impaired quality of life, and fatigue. Few studies have investigated associations between clinical and self-reported outcomes in a long-term perspective. Thus, we aimed to investigate relationships between clinical, self-reported, and donation-specific outcomes in a nationwide cohort.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective follow-up study and assessed pre- and post-donation data from 202 donors who donated in 2001–2004. During 2012–2013, data on donors’ self-reported (quality of life and fatigue) and donor-specific outcomes were collected. We performed linear regression for each component score of the generic instrument Short-Form, SF36v2, measuring quality of life, and the 5 domains of fatigue. Clinical parameters tested as independent variables were medical treatment of hyperlipidemia or hypertension, current smoking status, BMI, hemoglobin, and eGFR. Data were adjusted for age and gender.

RESULTS: Approximately 10 years after donation, 67 donors were hypertensive and 54 donors had eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m². Mean increase in plasma creatinine was 16.6 µmol/l (SD=16.3). None of the clinical parameters were significant predictors for QoL. Female gender was significantly associated with general fatigue. There was a significant difference in perception of recognition from health personnel between donors with hypertension and donors without hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results show no associations between clinical and self-reported outcomes. However, we found a significant relationship between hypertension and donation-specific outcomes. Hypertension or reduced kidney function was identified in a minority of the donors. The increased risk for fatigue among female donors needs more investigation.

Keywords: Kidney Transplantation, Patient Outcome Assessment, Quality of Life, Time, Tissue and Organ Procurement