HIV-positive kidney donation from living donors to HIV-positive recipients

Prospective Clinical Trial of HIV+ Living Donor Kidney Donation for HIV+ Recipients

Observational Johns Hopkins University · NCT03408106

This study tests whether it's safe for HIV-positive people to donate kidneys to other HIV-positive patients who need a transplant.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03408106 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective study evaluates the safety of kidney donation from HIV-positive individuals to HIV-positive recipients in need of a transplant. It focuses on assessing potential complications related to donor nephrectomy, including adverse events, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and HIV-related complications. The study aims to provide insights into the viability and safety of living donor transplants within this specific population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are HIV-positive individuals aged 21 and older who meet specific clinical criteria for living donation.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, or chronic active hepatitis C may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance kidney transplant options for HIV-positive patients, improving their health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is relatively novel, there have been limited studies exploring similar living donor transplant scenarios for HIV-positive individuals.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Able to understand and provide consent
* Age 21 years or older
* Meets standard clinical criteria for living donation per Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Comprehensive Transplant Center Policy
* Documented HIV infection (by any licensed Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and confirmation by Western Blot, positive HIV Ab Immunofluorescent Assay (IFA), or documented history of detectable HIV-1 RNA)
* CD4+ T-cell count ≥ 500/µL for 6 months prior to donation
* HIV-1 RNA below 50 copies RNA/mL (viral blips between 50-400 copies will be allowed as long as there are not consecutive measurements \>200 copies/mL)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Two high risk alleles of APOL1 (G1 or G2 variants)
* Hypertension
* Diabetes
* Chronic active hepatitis C (detectable HCV RNA in plasma)
* Evidence of invasive opportunistic complications from HIV infection
* Mentally incompetent and/or inability to provide informed consent
* Other medical conditions, as determined by the provider, that would preclude donation

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations

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 HIV Infections
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.