Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Living Kidney Donors: Knowns and Unknowns

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aimed to summarize evidence regarding mid- and long-term cardiovascular risks associated with living kidney donation in adults.Recent FindingsChronic kidney disease is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is known that glomerular filtration rate declines among many donors after donation; as a result, these donors can be classified as having early stage chronic kidney disease. Even though initial reports suggested no increase in adverse cardiovascular effects compared with control populations, recent data have shown a possible late increase in cardiovascular event rates and small structural and functional cardiovascular abnormalities. The long-term significance of these abnormalities is unknown.SummaryIt is not possible to draw strong conclusions on whether the reduction in glomerular filtration rate caused by kidney donation causes an increase in adverse cardiovascular events. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the natural history of cardiac and vascular structural and functional abnormalities and their clinical significance.
Source: Current Epidemiology Reports - Category: Epidemiology Source Type: research