Genetic Predictors of Renal Dysfunction Following Heart Transplantation

Pharmacogenomics of Calcineurin Inhibitor Nephrotoxicity in Cardiac Transplantation

Kidney disease is a common problem after heart transplantation. It may be caused by anti-rejection medications such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus. However, the reason why some people develop kidney problems after a heart transplant, but other people do not, is not fully known. This study plans to learn more about the relationship between a person's genetic make-up (DNA; deoxyribonucleic acid) and the risk of kidney problems after a heart transplant. The long-term goal of this research is to identify genetic variations that may help predict the development of kidney problems after heart transplantation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• cardiac-only transplant
• 18 years of age or older at the time of cardiac transplant
• 1 year or more post-cardiac transplant
• treatment with cyclosporine or tacrolimus following transplant

Exclusion Criteria:

• combined organ transplant
• decisionally impaired
• unable to read or speak English
• unable or unwilling to provide written informed consent