Black Patients Equally Benefit From Renal Genetics Evaluation but Substantial Barriers in Access Exist

Introduction: Genetic testing is increasingly accessible to patients with kidney diseases. Racial disparities in renal genetics evaluations have not been investigated.

Methods: A cohort of patients evaluated by the Cleveland Clinic Renal Genetics Clinic (RGC) from January 2019 to March 2022 was analyzed.

Results: Forty-eight Black patients, including 27 (56.3%) males, median age 34 (22-49) years and 232 White patients, including 76 (32.8%) males, median age 35 (21-53) years, were evaluated. Black patients were more likely to have end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) at the time of referral compared with White patients (23% vs. 7.3%, P = 0.004), more likely to be covered by Medicaid (46% vs. 15%, P < 0.001), and less likely to be covered by private insurance (35% vs. 66%, P < 0.001). Black patients were more likely to "no show" to scheduled appointment(s) or not submit specimens for genetic testing compared with White patients (24.1% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.0005). Genetic testing was completed in 35 Black patients. Of these, 37% had a positive result with 9 unique monogenic disorders and 1 chromosomal disorder diagnosed. Sixty-nine percent of Black patients with positive results received a new diagnosis or a change in diagnosis. Of these, 44% received a significant change in disease management. No differences in diagnostic yield and implications of management were noted between Black and White patients.

Conclusion: Black patients equally benefit from renal genetics evaluation, but barriers to access exist. Steps must be taken to ensure equitable and early access for all patients. Further studies investigating specific interventions to improve access are needed.