Abstract
The link between obesity and diabetes, hypertension, and eventual kidney dysfunction is well recognized. To evaluate trends in the body–mass index (BMI) of donor nephrectomy patients, the BMI was evaluated in 532 donors over 11 years from 2002 to 2012. Measurements were made preoperatively, at 1 year, and at the present time. The follow-up range varied from 12 months to 11 years dependent on the date of donation. Of the 532 patients queried, 100 patients had long-term results. At 1 year, there was an overall decrease in BMI, however, at anytime after the first year, postoperative BMI trended upward, with more than half of the overweight patients (BMI 25–30), at the time of donation, dipping into the obese range (BMI >30). Given these results and recognizing the attendant risks—especially with the background of a single kidney—we have initiated further lifestyle and nutrition counseling at our center and are considering a more stringent preoperative weight control policy.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.