Global Perspectives on Genetic Testing Among Nephrologists

To the Editor, Genetic testing is indispensable to modern nephrology, refining diagnosis and guiding management (1).Although it is frequently used in nephrology practice in developed countries, limited data exists regarding its use in developing nations.A survey was conducted among 297 nephrologists from 20 countries, including 230 from developing countries and 67 from developed countries (Supplementary methods) (Table S1).Most respondents were from India (57.91%, n = 172), followed by the United States (20.54%, n = 61), China (5.39%, n = 16), Nepal (5.05%, n = 15), and the United Kingdom (2.02%, n = 6).Other countries represented included Kenya (1.68%, n = 5), Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates (each 1.35%, n = 4), Cameroon and Egypt (each 0.67%, n = 2), and Sri Lanka, Australia, Singapore, the Philippines, Afghanistan, Somalia, Peru, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey (each 0.34%, n = 1) (Figure 1).Among respondents, 92% (n = 62) from developed countries and 80% (n = 179) from developing countries reported ordering genetic tests.These regional differences extended to practitioner experience, in developing countries, younger nephrologists were more likely to order tests, whereas in developed countries, those with 10-20 years of experience were the primary users (Figure S1).Genetic testing altered treatment plans in 15% of cases, influenced decisions in 65%, and had no effect in 20%.