Jan 30 2009
Kidney Donation may be less Risky than Previously Believed
The common belief for many years has been that although one can survive and live a reasonably normal life with just one kidney, it is much more preferrable to have two. However, a recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota suggests that normal kidney function may be achieved with just one kidney and that it may actually be no different than having two functioning kidneys.
This news couldn’t have come at a better time, as the worldwide demand for kidney donations is on the rise.
The lead author of this study, Dr. Hassan Ibrahim, says that he hopes this new information will help alleviate the axienty most people have when it comes to kidney donation.
Dr Ibrahim and his colleagues conducted thorough research by tracking down nearly every one of the 3,700 individuals who had donated a kidney at the university’s transplant facility between 1963 all the way through 2007. Surprisingly, Ibrahim and his team discovered that the prevalence or risk factors of diabetes, high blood pressure, and of course kidney disease were actually about the same if not favorable when compared to non-donors of the approximate same age, gender, and race. Life spans, in general, also were shown to be the same, if not longer.
Receiving a living kidney donation is the best case scenario for anyone suffering end-stage kidney disease who depend on dialysis machines for survival. Many doctors are now grateful for this study, as it offers evidence that can be used to encourage and reassure potential donors that they may donate a kidney without sacrificng their own kidney function.
If you’re interested in becoming a kidney donor, check out Living Donors Online to determine your eligibility, and to get more information on the process.