ISN Journal summaries on APOL1 kidney disease and expanding peritoneal dialysis in India
Kidney International®
APOL1 genetic variants increase the risk of progressive chronic kidney disease among people of African ancestry. A 2024 KDIGO Controversies Conference reviewed current evidence and debated terminology, testing, and management approaches.
Participants agreed on using the term “APOL1 kidney disease,” but found no basis yet for routine testing because no targeted treatments exist. Research, community engagement, and clinical trial capacity, especially in Africa, were identified as urgent priorities.
Kidney International Reports®
India relies almost entirely on in-center hemodialysis, leaving many patients, especially in rural or resource-limited settings, without practical access to kidney replacement therapy. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) offers a home-based solution but remains below 5% of national use.
The authors of this editorial use a sustainability assessment framework to propose how India could expand PD through tailored, state-level planning and investment, with a focus on disadvantaged groups. They suggest that scaling up PD in India is both necessary and achievable but long-term success depends on careful planning and structural reforms.
