How does kidney transplantation affect the relationship between donor and recipient?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is now a widespread use of kidneys from living donors in Norway. This results in reduced mortality and disease among recipients compared with the use of kidneys from deceased donors. However, there are numerous ethical issues connected with the use of organs from living donors. This article aims to examine how the relationship between recipients and known, living donors is affected by transplantation.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The article is based on a systematic literature search in MedLine.RESULTS: There is little research concerning the direct impact on the relationship between donor and recipient. Most donors report having an improved, or equally good relationship with recipients after transplantation. However, one study shows that when recipients receive a kidney from a parent during adolescence, conflicts frequently arise. The material also shows that good relationships have a tendency to improve, while poor or imbalanced relationships more often deteriorate following transplantation.INTERPRETATION: It is very important to survey the relationship between a recipient and a potential donor before transplantation to avoid relational conflicts.