This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.The number of patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or transplantation continues to increase in the United States, and the organ shortage remains a major problem. Despite over 30 years of experience with living kidney donors, little is known regarding the long-term risk of the operation. In the short-term, it is well-known that kidney donation is safe in healthy individuals. The prevalence and incidence of ESRD is greater in African-American than in non-African-American populations. This trend reflects many factors - the most important of which may be increased risk and impact of hypertension in African-Americans. Since African-Americans account for two-thirds of those with ESRD in Alabama, issues related to race and renal disease are of critical importance to UAB. African-Americans initially contacted by letter will be invited to the GCRC as outpatients for a 3-hour visit. There they will undergo a history and physical examination, EKG, Hemoglobin electrophoresis, laboratory analysis of kidney function and kidney ultrasound. This pilot study will establish a basis for determining the need for long-term follow-up after unilateral nephrectomy for living kidney donation in healthy African-American donors at UAB. The prevalence of hypertension, proteinuria and renal impairment will also be examined.
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