Genetic testing for kidney disease risk in African Americans

APOL1 Genetic Testing in African Americans: Exploring Attitudes About Genetic Risk to Improve Comprehensive Kidney Risk Assessment for Patients and Families

Observational St. Louis University · NCT05656261

This study is trying to see if knowing about certain genetic risks for kidney disease helps African Americans with high blood pressure take better care of their health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorSt. Louis University Academic / other
Locations1 site (St Louis, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT05656261 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the prevalence of APOL1 renal risk variants among African American patients with hypertension at Saint Louis University. It aims to understand how knowledge of one's APOL1 genotype influences patient engagement in managing hypertension and other renal risk factors. Participants will complete self-administered surveys to express their attitudes towards genetic testing and its implications for kidney health. The study seeks to bridge the gap between genetic predisposition and clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black or African American adults aged 18-90 who are seen in nephrology or hypertension clinics.

Not a fit: Patients who are cognitively impaired, terminally ill, or currently undergoing renal replacement therapy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for kidney disease in African Americans by personalizing care based on genetic risk.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using genetic testing to inform treatment strategies in chronic kidney disease, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ages 18-90
* Self-Identified as Black/African American. Race will be self-identified. Patients of African ancestry who identify as multi-racial are also eligible to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitively impaired/unable to provide consent
* Terminally ill
* Renal replacement therapy (RRT), e.g., (but not limited to) hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis

Where this trial is running

St Louis, Missouri

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Genetic PredispositionChronic Kidney DiseasesNephropathyAPOL1 Associated Kidney DiseaseDisparitiesAPOL1 Renal Risk Variants
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.