Do Factors Influencing Acceptance of Kidney Stone Formers as Donors Predict Subsequent Stone Events?

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess whether kidney stone burden and risk factors at the time of kidney donor evaluation were associated with a symptomatic stone event post-donor evaluation.

Methods: We identified adults evaluated at Mayo Clinic (two sites) (2000-2011) for living kidney donation and had either a personal history or radiological evidence of kidney stone disease. We analyzed demographics, stone risk factors, stone number/size, and the committee's donation decision and reasons. A follow-up survey (2022-2023) assessed post-evaluation symptomatic kidney stones and related morbidity.

Results: Among 412 potential donors with kidney stone disease, 258 donated, 75 did not donate due to kidney stones, and 79 did not donate for other reasons. Multivariable analysis showed that candidates not donating due to stones had higher body mass index (BMI), prior symptomatic kidney stones, multiple stones on imaging, bilateral kidney stones, and diameter of largest stone ≥3 mm. Of 147 who completed the survey, 26 (18%) had a symptomatic kidney stone post-donor evaluation. Younger age (p = 0.031) and multiple stones on imaging (p = 0.02) were significant predictors of post-evaluation symptomatic stones regardless of donation status (p = 0.41).

Conclusions: Stone burden on imaging and prior symptomatic stone events were associated with not donating. Younger age and stone burden on imaging were the primary risk factors for a symptomatic kidney stone event after donor evaluation.

Keywords: kidney donation; kidney donors; kidney stones; stone formers.