Living Kidney Donor Cancellation at King Hussein Medical Center.

OBJECTIVES: Living-related kidney donation is the main source of renal grafts in Jordan, since kidneys from deceased donors are scarce. Although the Jordanian community accepts the idea of kidney donation to family members, not all potential donors manage to complete the required psychologic and medical evaluations. We review the causes of kidney-donation cancellation and suggest options to increase the number of available organs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all potential living-related kidney donors at King Hussein Medical Center between January 2008 and June 2016.

RESULTS: Of 642 potential donors, 366 (57%) were male and 276 (43%) were female, ranging in age from 18 to 66 years with a mean age of 37 years. A total of 384 (59.8%) eventually donated a kidney. A donor issue was the cause of cancellation in 143 (22.3%), whereas 47 (32.9%) had a risk for renal impairment after donation (eg, hematuria, proteinuria, stones, multiple renal cysts, scarred kidney, congenital malformation, recurrent urinary tract infection), and 30 (21%) had blood group or immunologic incompatibilities. Fifteen (10.5%) withdrew during the evaluation process, 13 (9%) had hypertension, 10 (7%) had a high body mass index, 8 (5.6%) were diabetic or prediabetic, 7 (4.9%) were surgically unsuitable, 4 (2.8%) had hepatitis B virus infection, 4 (2.8%) were pregnant, 3 (2.1%) had significant cardiovascular disease, 1 (0.7%) had splenomegaly with lymph node enlargement, and 1 (0.7%) had thyroiditis.

CONCLUSIONS: Cancellation of kidney donation in Jordan is mainly for medical reasons, the most common being renal issues. Paired donation between blood group and immunologically incompatible duos may increase the number of organs available, as may good psychologic assessment and counseling of those likely to change their mind. Support should be provided for donors who drop out of donation for any cause, especially for renal and vascular issues.