Fred Bodimer Reporting
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ST, LOUIS (KMOX) -- A new Johns Hopkins University study finds kidney donors are likely to live as long as non donors.
The highest risk of death for donors came within 90 days of the surgery. But within a year of the surgery, the death risk was about the same as everyone else.
Dr. Jason Wellen is a kidney and pancreas transplant surgeon at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
"We let kidney donors know that. based on the literature and studies like this one in the Journal of the American Medical Association, they are not at any increased risk of renal failure or mortality compared to the general population," said Wellen.
However, Wellen says "they need to be smart. They need to follow up with their physicians at least once a year. They need to get their blood checked. They need to be sure not to play contact sports so they don't risk injuring their remaining kidney."
"So if they follow up well, get good medical care, and do things in moderation, then their risk is no greater than the general population, said Wellen.
Wellen hopes this study will increase kidney donor awareness.
"The availability of organs at the present time is the major issue in kidney transplantation," said Wellen.
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