Faculty

Harini A. Chakkera, M.D.

Clinical Studies

APOL1 Long-term Kidney Transplantation Outcomes Network (APOLLO) (APOLLO) Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.
The purpose of this study is to attempt to improve outcomes after kidney transplantation and to improve the safety of living kidney donation based upon variation in the apolipoprotein L1 gene (APOL1). Genes control what is inherited from a family, such as eye color or blood type. Variation in APOL1 can cause kidney disease. African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Hispanic Blacks, and Africans are more likely to have the APOL1 gene variants that cause kidney disease. APOLLO will test DNA from kidney donors and recipients of kidney transplants for APOL1 to determine effects on kidney transplant-related outcomes.

Astagraf XL® to Understand the Impact of Immunosuppression on De Novo DSA Development and Chronic Immune Activation in Kidney Transplantation (ASTOUND) Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz., Rochester, Minn., Jacksonville, Fla.
This study will compare the incidence of a two-part composite endpoint consisting of de novo donor specific antibody (DSA) formation or a designation of "immune activation" (IA) on peripheral blood molecular profiling in patients maintained on twice daily, immediate-release tacrolimus versus those maintained on Astagraf XL in the first two years post-transplant.
Prospective Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing as a Tool for Cardiac Screening Pre-Transplant Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.
The purpose of this study is to determine the change in exercise capacity by comparing VO2 max results pre & post renal transplant.