Familial clustering of end-stage renal disease in Mississippi.

Background: Familial clustering of ESRD has been noted in the families of 20-40% of African-Americans (AA) with ESRD but has been observed much less often in Caucasians (Cau). Because our impression indicated a higher frequency in Caucasians than reported in several recent studies we conducted a 2-year prospective evaluation of patients referred for renal transplantation to assess the frequency of familial clustering of ESRD in both Caucasians and African-Americans.

Methods: Detailed family histories were obtained in 350 ESRD patients referred for renal transplantation, 335 of whom could provide appropriate information regarding first- and second-degree family members (252AA and 83 Cau) who were maintained on out-patient dialysis at least one month or had received a renal transplant.