Australian researchers have discovered that more caution is needed when taking kidneys from living donors with a family or community history of kidney disease.

Australian researchers have discovered that more caution is needed when taking kidneys from living donors with a family or community history of kidney disease.

The study was recently published in arguably the most prestigious international medical journal, the New England Journal of Medicine.

Senior author Dr Matthew Jose, Honorary Member, Menzies Research Institute says that up until now, studies have demonstrated that living kidney donors have excellent long-term outcomes.

"This new research argues previous studies have been primarily in non-Indigenous donors," Dr Jose said.

The rate of kidney disease in Indigenous Australians is up to 30 times that of non-Indigenous Australians and may be highly prevalent in some communities.

"The most effective treatment for end-stage kidney disease is kidney transplantation, but the waiting list for a kidney transplant can be up to seven years, so kidney donation from living relatives is becoming commonplace," Dr Jose said.

This study reports on a small group of Indigenous kidney donors from the Northern Territory of Australia. After 17 years, three required dialysis, two died and the majority had high blood pressure, diabetes or evidence of kidney damage themselves.

The authors of the study suggest that "clear standardised assessment has failed these donors."

"Social and economic disadvantage plays such a big role in development of chronic disease and thus it is likely that family members will be at risk. However the increasing rates of kidney disease, obesity & diabetes in so many Australians make this observation applicable to everyone," Dr Jose said

In Australia, it is a fact that 1 in 3 adults is at increased risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease.

"The implications of this study extend far beyond racial barriers and questions whether donors with any family history or risk factors for kidney disease should be accepted as kidney donors," Dr Jose said.

Released by:

Fiona Horwood
Communications Manager
Menzies Research Institute
Telephone:(03) 6226 7751

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