2022 Articles

Clinical Integration of Genomic Testing in Kidney Transplantation Clinics

Nestor, Jordan

This editorial highlights the growing role of genomic testing in diagnosing kidney disease, building on prior studies showing that about 10% of chronic kidney disease cases have a genetic cause, especially among those with unknown diagnoses. While genomic testing can improve diagnosis, guide treatment, and inform family screening, its use in routine care remains limited due to complexity, cost, and gaps in provider knowledge. You discuss a study in a kidney transplant clinic where exome sequencing identified genetic causes in 43% of patients and influenced decisions such as excluding at-risk living donors. The commentary emphasizes that genomic testing is clinically valuable but requires careful interpretation and a multidisciplinary approach. Overall, it calls for more scalable and practical strategies to integrate genomics into everyday nephrology care.

Keywords: Genetic kidney disease, Exome sequencing, Living kidney donor screening, Monogenic kidney disease, Chronic kidney disease, Genomic medicine