When do you recommend testing for APOL1 variants in patients with proteinuric chronic kidney disease?
Answer from: at Academic Institution
As yet, despite APOL1 being a clear risk factor for kidney disease and ESKD, there are no clear guidelines to assist in decision-making regarding genetic testing. This is mainly due to the fact that there are (as yet) no specific drugs for APOL1-mediated kidney disease. There is an RCT for inaxaplin...
I recommend genetic testing to diagnose APOL1 if it is suspected. Usually, patients with proteinuric kidney disease get kidney biopsy. If the biopsy is consistent with FSGS, then genetic testing for APOL1 may be helpful in the right setting, especially if we have specific treatments for APOL1 diseas...