Genetic Assessment of Living Kidney Transplant Donors: A Survey of Canadian Practices
What is the Goal?
Genetic testing of potential living kidney donors (LKDs) may improve risk assessment and inform the safety of donation. The strategies to evaluate these donors are still evolving. In Canada, little is known about the practice of assessing for genetic conditions among LKDs.
The aim of this study was to examine the Canadian practices regarding LKDs genetic assessment.
Key Findings
In total, 16 of 23 Canadian centers responded to the survey. Of the 8 surveyed genetic conditions, ADPKD, Alport syndrome, and aHUS were the most frequently encountered. More centers have specific policies for donor evaluation for ADPKD (25%) and aHUS (21.4%) vs none to very few for other genetic conditions. The most cited guidelines are Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO), Canadian Society of Nephrology/Canadian Society of Transplantation (CSN/CST), and the Canadian Blood Services’ Kidney Paired Donation Protocol.
Why It Matters
Canadian transplant centers follow a case-by-case approach rather than a standard protocol for genetic assessment of LKDs. Studies examining long-term donor and graft outcomes are needed to construct the basis for evidence-based recommendations and inform the safety of donations.
Where can I Learn More?
- Authors
- Somaya Zahran, Ke Fan Bei, Aisha Adil, Princess Okoh, Thomas Kitzler, and Ahsan Alam