Live unrelated kidney donation (LUKD) is increasing world wide due to shortage of cadaveric kidneys. In our country a controlled LUKD program has been practiced since 1988. This study was conducted to evaluate the attitude of Iranian nephrologists towards different aspects of this program. Questioners including 20 questions were sent to the nephrologists by email, fax or direct delivery. From 100 nephrologists randomly selected, 50 filled and returned the questionnaires. 46 (98%) and 45 (90%) believed that LUKD has potential minor short-term and long term complications, respectively. 42% assumed renal failure as a potential complication. 92% used to inform the donors about the complications. 34% and 72% assumed inhalational opium addiction and heroin addiction as contraindications to LUKD, respectively. 80% assumed the donors as people in great need of money and obliged to donate kidney. 28% and 68% believed that the amount of recipients’ gift and governmental award to the donor are not enough, respectively. 32% believed that all of the financial compensation should be done by the government or an official foundation. 66% believed that donors should be given social advantages and 26% believed that they should not, in-order to prevent persuasion of non-altruistic donation. 88% claimed that donor follow-up is not regularly done in our country and should be organized. Finally, 30 agreed and 19 disagreed with LUKD (1 didn't reply).
We conclude that despite the success of our LUKD program in elimination of transplant waiting list, most Iranian nephrologists believe that there should be some changes in medical, financial and ethical aspects of this program. Providing information about potential complications may not be enough to help thedonors, who are generally in great need of money, in making a correct decision. We should reconsider the method and amount of financial compensation and organize a regular follow-up program