ASN's Mission

To create a world without kidney diseases, the ASN Alliance for Kidney Health elevates care by educating and informing, driving breakthroughs and innovation, and advocating for policies that create transformative changes in kidney medicine throughout the world.

learn more

Contact ASN

1401 H St, NW, Ste 900, Washington, DC 20005

email@asn-online.org

202-640-4660

The Latest on X

Kidney Week

Please note that you are viewing an archived section from 2023 and some content may be unavailable. To unlock all content for 2023, please visit the archives.

Abstract: TH-PO451

Unraveling the Unknown: A Few Illustrative Examples of the Utility of Genetic Testing for CKD

Session Information

Category: Genetic Diseases of the Kidneys

  • 1202 Genetic Diseases of the Kidneys: Non-Cystic

Authors

  • Sathiyaraj, Steffi, Houston Methodist, Houston, Texas, United States
  • Rodriguez Ortiz, Yariana Emma, Houston Methodist, Houston, Texas, United States
  • Edwards, Angelina, Houston Methodist, Houston, Texas, United States
  • Shafi, Tariq, Houston Methodist, Houston, Texas, United States
Introduction

Genetic testing can offer critical insight into diagnosing disease states that were previously challenging to identify. In the context of CKD, genetic testing using commercially available panels can provide valuable information to guide personalized treatment decisions. We highlight three cases seen in our clinic over the past six months that illustrate the value of genetic testing for CKD.

Case Description

Case 1: 75- year-old self-identified Black male presented to the clinic with elevated creatinine and significant history of treatment-resistant hypertension and hypokalemia. Subsequent workup was consistent with Primary Hyperaldosteronism (plasma aldosterone-renin ratio, 58). Genetic testing, pursued initially to identify glucocorticoid remediable hyperaldosteronism, revealed a CACNA1H mutation, consistent with Type 4 Familial Hyperaldosteronism.
Case 2: 56-year-old self-identified Black male with a history of ischemic cardiomyopathy and orthotopic heart transplant seven years ago was evaluated for worsening creatinine. A renal biopsy showed secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and hypertensive arteriosclerosis attributed to calcineurin inhibitors. Genetic testing revealed APOL1 homozygosity with G1/G1alleles.
Case 3: 41-year-old self-identified Black female was evaluated for persistent albuminuria and intermittent hematuria over several years with stable serum creatinine. She had no significant medical co-morbidities or family history. Genetic testing revealed COL4A3 mutation, seen with Alport’s syndrome without sensorineural hearing loss.

Discussion

In summary, these cases highlight the tremendous clinical utility of genetic testing in a CKD clinic. As genetic testing technologies continue to advance and emerge for specific renal diseases, such as APOL1-mediated CKD, routine genetic testing for patients with CKD is worth considering.