Canadian study links living kidney donation to increased pregnancy risks

A new matched cohort study conducted in Canada suggests that living kidney donors may face a modest increase in the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia. The research, presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2026 and published in JAMA, expanded upon previous findings by including data from British Columbia and Alberta alongside earlier Ontario cohorts.

While the study observed a higher risk for certain hypertensive conditions, investigators noted that most donor pregnancies remained uncomplicated. Given that approximately 65% of living kidney donors are female and 75% are of childbearing age, understanding these long-term outcomes is a critical component of the donor evaluation process.

Lead author Amit X. Garg, a professor at Western University, noted that while 2004 consensus guidance was reassuring regarding future pregnancies, subsequent studies have indicated links to gestational hypertension. The findings aim to provide more precise estimates to assist transplant teams in counseling potential donors.