Corporeal weight gain and metabolic syndrome in living kidney donors after nephrectomy

The number of healthy individuals undergoing unilateral nephrectomy for kidney donation is increasing world-wide. Obesity and nephron reduction could promote a decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and an increase in urinary protein excretion in these individuals. Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is also a risk factor for these patients. This study evaluated GFR, urinary protein excretion, and the possibility of one or more components of MS in this group. METHODS: Twenty live kidney donors were evaluated at an average of 10 years after nephrectomy. We obtained measurements of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and waist circumference. We estimated renal function, urinary protein excretion, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose levels. The GFR was calculated through the estimated creatinine clearance using the Cokcroft-Gault equation (eGFR). RESULTS: Of the 20 participants, four developed MS. The patients with a greater number of MS components showed a greater eGFR. Only seven donors (35%) showed a normal blood pressure. Serum creatinine level changes were observed in three patients, and in five there was increased urinary protein excretion. CONCLUSION: This study showed the possibility that corporeal weight gain and MS may be additional overburdens on the GFR of the remaining kidney.