Long-Term Outcome of Live Kidney Donation in South Korea

Impact of donor smoking history on kidney transplant recipient outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Impact of donor smoking history on kidney transplant recipient outcomes is undefined.

METHODS

We systematically searched, critically appraised, and summarized associations between donor smoking and primary outcomes of death-censored and all-cause graft failure (DCGF, ACGF), and secondary outcomes of allograft histology, delayed graft function, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and mortality. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Databases from 2000 to 2023. Risk of bias was assessed using Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Exposure tool. Quality of evidence was assessed by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group recommendations. We pooled results using inverse variance, random-effects model and reported hazard ratios for time-to-event outcomes or binomial proportions. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistic.

RESULTS

From 1785 citations, we included 17 studies. Donor smoking was associated with modestly increased DCGF (HR 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.09); I2 = 0%; low quality of evidence), predominantly in deceased donors, and ACGF in adjusted analyses (HR 1.12 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.19); I2 = 20%; very low quality of evidence). Other outcomes could not be pooled meaningfully.

CONCLUSIONS

Kidney donor smoking history was associated with modestly increased risk of death-censored graft failure and all-cause graft failure. This review emphasizes the need for further research, standardized reporting, and thoughtful consideration of donor factors like smoking in clinical decision-making on kidney utilization and allocation.

Pre-emptive live donor kidney transplantation-moving barriers to opportunities: An ethical, legal and psychological aspects of organ transplantation view

Live donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) is the optimal treatment modality for end stage renal disease (ESRD), enhancing patient and graft survival. Pre-emptive LDKT, prior to requirement for renal replacement therapy (RRT), provides further advantages, due to uraemia and dialysis avoidance. There are a number of potential barriers and opportunities to promoting pre-emptive LDKT. Significant infrastructure is needed to deliver robust programmes, which varies based on socio-economic standards. National frameworks can impact on national prioritisation of pre-emptive LDKT and supporting education programmes. Focus on other programme’s components, including deceased kidney transplantation and RRT, can also hamper uptake. LDKT programmes are designed to provide maximal benefit to the recipient, which is specifically true for pre-emptive transplantation. Health care providers need to be educated to maximize early LDKT referral. Equitable access for varying population groups, without socio-economic bias, also requires prioritisation. Cultural barriers, including religious influence, also need consideration in developing successful outcomes. In addition, the benefit of pre-emptive LDKT needs to be emphasised, and opportunities provided to potential donors, to ensure timely and safe work-up processes. Recipient education and preparation for pre-emptive LDKT needs to ensure increased uptake. Awareness of the benefits of pre-emptive transplantation require prioritisation for this population group. We recommend an approach where patients approaching ESRD are referred early to pre-transplant clinics facilitating early discussion regarding pre-emptive LDKT and potential donors for LDKT are prioritized for work-up to ensure success. Education regarding pre-emptive LDKT should be the norm for patients approaching ESRD, appropriate for the patient’s cultural needs and physical status. Pre-emptive transplantation maximize benefit to potential recipients, with the potential to occur within successful service delivery. To fully embrace preemptive transplantation as the norm, investment in infrastructure, increased awareness, and donor and recipient support is required.