Pregnancy after kidney donation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pregnancy after kidney donation in living donor transplantation: a retrospective case-control study.
IRAS ID
186982
Contact name
Nizam Mamode
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 3 days
Research summary
Every year over 1000 living individuals in the UK donate a kidney so that someone can undergo a kidney transplant with excellent results. The donor undergoes a major operation but current evidence suggests that apart from the relatively low risks of surgery, there are no other major long term consequences from donating a kidney. This has been contradicted by recent reports that female donors are at significant risk of some complications in subsequent pregnancies.
The aim of this study is to assess the risk of pregnancy complications after living donor nephrectomy using the database of living kidney donors held by NHS Blood and Transplant. This database is unique, in that entry is mandatory if living donor nephrectomy is undertaken in the UK. By working in collaboration with NHSBT, we will link the donor database to a separate national database of hospital records; Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), which will allow us to determine the outcomes after pregnancy in living donors. These outcomes will be compared with those of women of the same age (and with similar risk factors) who have not donated a kidney. We will therefore be able to determine whether living donor nephrectomy confers increased risks in subsequent pregnancies and will be able to advise both clinicians and women considering donation accordingly. If there is an increased risk for example, women could be advised to complete their family before considering donation.
This information would be incorporated into the British Transplant Society Guidelines on Living Donation, of which the Chief Investigator is a co-author, in order to ensure that the risks are properly understood. This study will therefore provide important information which is vital for young women considering donation.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0466
Date of REC Opinion
7 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion