Ethical dilemmas of living donor kidney transplantation: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Living donor kidney transplantation is a crucial treatment for chronic kidney disease, yet it raises significant ethical issues. This systematic review addresses these issues by analysing scientific literature from the past ten years. The objectives include identifying and thoroughly analysing the most common ethical dilemmas, describing them, examining the perspectives of various involved groups, and analysing clinical strategies to address them.

Material and methods: Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Mendeley were used, following PRISMA guidelines, and 49 relevant studies were included.

Results: The identified dilemmas encompass equity in access to transplantation, distributive justice, informed consent, transplant tourism, coercion, and ethical issues related to desensitization.

Discussion: The review highlights the need for multidisciplinary approaches and unified protocols to tackle these ethical challenges. It underscores the importance of adhering to fundamental ethical principles, aligning with international bioethical statements.

Keywords: Conflictos éticos; Donante vivo; Ethical conflicts; Living donor; Renal transplantation; Trasplante renal.