Mental health of unspecified anonymous living kidney donors after donation

W. Zuidema, I. Ismail, J. van de Wetering, I. van Raalten, W. Weimar, E.K.J. Massey

Wednesday 4 march 2020

16:30 - 16:40h at Theaterzaal

Parallel session: Parallel sessie VI – Klinische abstracts

Background: Anonymous living kidney donors donates to an unknown stranger. These donors undergo psychosocial assessment to minimize likelihood of psychological harm from donation. The aim of this retrospective interview study was to investigate post-donation psychological symptoms, well-being and psychiatric diagnoses.

Methods: All 147 unspecified anonymous kidney donors (2000-2016) in our center were eligible to participate. The structured interview MINI Screen was used to assess psychiatric diagnoses: on indication the M.I.N.I. plus was conducted. Questionnaires were used to assess psychological symptoms (Symptoms Checklist) and psychological well-being (Dutch Mental Health Continuum). We also conducted a semi-structured interview about expectations, anonymity, experiences and the support received.

Results: Of the 147 eligible, 11 had died: 114/136 participated (84% participation rate). Fifty-two were male, median age was 66.5 (25-94) years, and the follow-up time 76.5 (24-178) months. Participants scored higher on positive well-being than the general population. Psychological complaints were comparable to the general population. Regarding psychiatric diagnosis, 54/114 (47%) donors had an indication for a diagnosis for which the M.I.N.I. plus was conducted; a lifetime diagnosis was established among 36 (32%). Most common diagnosis were depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusions: Willingness to participate in this study was very high. The rate of psychological symptoms at the time of the interview and life-time psychiatric diagnoses is comparable with prevalence in the general population. Whereas psychological well-being generally is higher than the general population. Qualitative interview data are currently being analyzed. Prospective studies are needed to assess symptoms and well-being on the long-term taking baseline levels into consideration in order to determine the burden and gains of unspecified donation.