Screening for heart disease in kidney transplant candidates

Canadian-Australasian Randomised Trial of Screening Kidney Transplant Candidates for Coronary Artery Disease

NA · University of British Columbia · NCT03674307

This study is testing if skipping regular heart disease screenings for people on the kidney transplant waiting list is just as safe and effective as continuing those screenings.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3306 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia (other)
Locations22 sites (Tucson, Arizona and 21 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03674307 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The CARSK study aims to evaluate whether eliminating regular non-invasive screening tests for coronary artery disease (CAD) after kidney transplant waitlist activation is as effective as the current standard of annual screening. This study focuses on patients with end-stage renal disease who are either being assessed for or are active on the kidney transplant waiting list. It will compare the outcomes of patients who receive no further screening after initial assessment to those who continue with regular screenings, with a focus on preventing major adverse cardiac events and assessing the cost-effectiveness of the screening approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are dialysis-dependent and currently assessed for or active on the kidney transplant waiting list.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled cardiac disease or those on hold for transplantation due to medical issues will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a more efficient and less costly approach to screening kidney transplant candidates, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of eliminating routine screening is novel, existing studies have highlighted the importance of addressing cardiovascular risks in kidney transplant candidates, suggesting potential for meaningful advancements.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. adults aged 18 years of age or older
2. Dialysis-dependent kidney failure and currently being assessed for OR active on the kidney transplant waiting list
3. expected to require further screening for CAD prior to transplantation (by current standard of care);
4. able to give consent;
5. anticipated to undergo transplantation more than 12 months from date of enrolment

Exclusion Criteria:

1. patients with signs or symptoms suggestive of uncontrolled cardiac disease such as unstable coronary syndromes, decompensated heart failure, uncontrolled arrhythmia, and severe valvular heart disease;
2. patients who "on-hold" for transplantation due to a medical problem;
3. patients with other solid organ transplants;
4. multi-organ transplant candidates (e.g. kidney-pancreas transplant candidates);
5. patients with planned living donor transplant;
6. patients unable to give consent.

Where this trial is running

Tucson, Arizona and 21 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cardiovascular Diseases, End Stage Renal Disease, Kidney Transplantation, Dialysis Related Complication

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.