In the American Journal of Transplantation, Dutch researchers report alternative living donation programs have expanded the pool of usable living donor kidneys.  Many patients in need of a kidney transplant have family or friends willing to donate, but they are often not a good match.  According to Dr. J. Roodnat, direct donation is possible for only 44 percent of potential donor-recipient couples.  Alternative donor programs such as the ABO-incompatible (transplants from an incompatible blood type), anonymous donation, kidney-exchange, and domino-paired donation led to 55 percent of donors being matched with recipients.  Dr. Roodnat expects a further increase in the percentage of successful donations over time. 

This article originally appeared in the October 2009 issue of Kidney Transplant Today.