Why does organ transplant work well with relatives?

Organ transplants between relatives (also known as living-related transplants) often have better outcomes compared to transplants from deceased donors for several reasons:

Genetic compatibility: Relatives share a significant portion of their genetic makeup, which increases the likelihood of tissue and organ compatibility. This reduces the risk of organ rejection, where the recipient's immune system attacks the transplanted organ.

Reduced waiting time: Patients in need of an organ transplant may face a lengthy waiting period for a suitable organ from a deceased donor. However, related donors can provide organs more quickly since the transplant can be planned in advance. This reduced waiting time can be critical for individuals whose conditions are deteriorating and need urgent transplantation.

Prior medical history: Relatives usually have a shared medical history and are often aware of each other's health conditions. This information can be beneficial in assessing the suitability of the donor and predicting potential complications during and after the transplant.

Emotional support: Receiving an organ from a living relative can create a strong emotional bond between the donor and the recipient. The feeling of gratitude and the awareness of the sacrifice made by the donor can have a positive psychological impact on the recipient's recovery and well-being.

Improved survival rates: Studies have shown that organs transplanted from living related donors have better long-term survival rates compared to organs from deceased donors. This is attributed to better tissue matching, reduced risk of rejection, and the overall healthier condition of living donors.

It's important to note that even with genetic compatibility, careful evaluation and medical assessments are performed before proceeding with any organ transplant to ensure the best possible outcomes for both the donor and the recipient.