Hypertension in Children and Young People at Risk of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

INTRODUCTION Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the commonest genetic cause of chronic kidney disease. Despite being inherited, most people do not get symptoms until adulthood with mean age of chronic renal failure around 53 years. Hence, it was thought that there is no need to screen children and young people (C\&YP) at risk of ADPKD until old enough to understand and agree to testing. Linked to this, imaging criteria to diagnose ADPKD mostly cover adult ages.

The validity of this 'adults only' approach is challenged by reports of hypertension in C\&YP with ADPKD, affecting up to a quarter by late teens. This is important in deciding whether to change screening policy because early treatment has the potential to reduce risk of cardiovascular events long-term. Death from cardiovascular disease is still a frequent event in ADPKD families, even before reaching end-stage kidney disease. Not only does the renal damage in ADPKD affect BP and cardiovascular health but there is evidence that ADPKD causes generalised endothelial dysfunction. This provides further justification for good BP control and treatment from the earliest stages of ADPKD.

Currently, it is not known whether the estimated prevalence of hypertension in C\&YP with ADPKD is overestimated because most evidence comes from specialist Paediatric Nephrology centres, where it would be expected that the more severe cases would be managed. This study will determine whether blood pressure (BP) should be screened in all C\&YP at risk, as well as testing the utility of ultrasound and genetic approaches.

This proposed study will be most comprehensive assessment of blood pressure in ADPKD across all age groups. As a result, information gained may revolutionise the approach to the measurement and management of BP in medical practice, particularly in children.

PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT This study has been set up to specifically consider individuals with ADPKD and so the investigators have designed this study in discussion with The PKD Charity. The investigators will continue to utilise this wealth of patient experience as this study is conducted by keeping the PKD Charity informed of progress, presenting results at patient group meetings and conferences, so that patients are able to see the work that the investigators are doing to improve their understanding of ADPKD. Any publications resulting from this work will be sent to the PKD Charity for inclusion on their website.

A trustee of the PKD charity and patient representative for ADPKD has previously reviewed patient information sheets and consent forms and as a result of helpful comments the investigators have modified the patient information sheet for children.

Lastly these proposals have been previewed as a 'theoretical potential study' on the UK PKD Charity forums: no-one expressed concerns over the study design and over 40 responders expressing immediate interest in participating.

PARTICIPANT SELECTION Source of participants

The study will be advertised on the PKD website, and via social media, leaflets and letters in clinic. This strategy aims to ascertain participants from an unbiased population, to ensure the scientific aims of this study are met which is to determine the true blood pressure levels in C\&YP with ADPKD. In addition, using these channels publicises the study without any pressure on families/children to get involved since they have to make the first contact to express interest. Interested participants or their parents/guardians will be able to contact the research team to find out more about the study. Enquiries about study enrolment will be fielded by the Study Co-ordinator, based at King's College London. The study coordinator can ascertain initial eligibility, whilst referring any queries to the Chief Investigator. If the participant appears to be eligible for the study, the relevant Participant Information Sheet (Parent and Adolescent/16+ versions) can be sent out to the participant and their family. The study coordinator will book an appropriate time for the participant and their parent/guardian to attend their most convenient participating site

Number of participating sites involved: 3

Participant numbers: The study aims to recruit 200 C\&YP in total. This generates a 95% confidence of detecting a difference between populations with hypertension prevalence of 20% (ADPKD) versus 10% with 80% power. Once they have undertaken the full BP and cardiovascular assessment (anticipated over 1-2 visits), participants will only be seen once and will not be required for further follow up. Results of genetic testing are anticipated to be available after 6-12 months.

STUDY PROCEDURES Screening Procedures

Interested participants or their parents/guardians will be able to contact the research team to find out more about the study. Enquiries about study enrolment will be fielded by the Study Co-ordinator, based at King's College London. The study coordinator can ascertain initial eligibility, whilst referring any queries to the Chief Investigator. If the subject appears to be eligible for the study, the relevant Patient Information Sheet (Parent and Adolescent/16+ versions) can be sent out to the participant and their family. All participants that undergo screening will be logged onto a screening log associated with the study.

Once eligibility is confirmed, and the participant has received the PIS, the study coordinator will contact them to book an appropriate time for the participant and their parent/guardian to attend their most convenient participating site.

Participant recruitment The study will be advertised on the PKD website, and via social media, leaflets and letters in clinic. This strategy aims to ascertain participants from an unbiased population, to ensure the scientific aims of this study are met which is to determine the true blood pressure levels in C\&YP with ADPKD. In addition, using these channels publicises the study without any pressure on families/children to get involved since they now have to make the first contact to express interest.

Participants will be offered reimbursement of their reasonable expenses for them and their parent /guardian to attend their chosen participating site.

Participants and their parent/guardian will be sent age appropriate information sheets prior to their first appointment at the hospital and will have at least a week to consider their participation in the study. Written materials will be produced in English. They will be consented by a clinician when they attend for Visit 1 of the study.

Follow up Procedures When the results of the tests are ready, families will be informed of the results with a telephone consultation. If there is no evidence of ADPKD, hypertension or other novel findings, the participant will be discharged. If there is evidence of ADPKD, hypertension or another medical condition, the participant will be followed up in an NHS clinic as per standard of care.

Radiology Assessments MRI will be used to scan the kidneys for evidence of ADPKD and assess the structure and function of the heart. Both regions will be imaged in the same scan session. No contrast will be required.

MRI safety aspects will be handled by the research MRI staff in the study centre. Experienced MRI radiographers will ensure all participants have completed an MRI safety questionnaire prior to their MRI scan as per the Safety Guidelines for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Equipment in Clinical Use, MHRA, February 2021 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/958486/MRI_guidance_2021-4-03c.pdf.

END OF STUDY DEFINITION

• The date of when all the samples from all patients have been analysed.

ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY

• No particular serious adverse events (SAEs) are expected to occur during this study.
• Where a SAE is related to the study procedures and is an unexpected occurrence (that is, the type of event is not listed in the protocol as an expected occurrence) then it will be reported immediately upon knowledge of the event to R\&D and always within 24 hours. A note will be put in the case report form (CRF) and on the participants medical notes.
• If a SAE/AE occurs that does not require immediate reporting, this will be reported in the participant's CRF and reported to GSTT when copied into the Annual Progress Report.
• All serious adverse events that are to be reported to R\&D will be signed and dated and completed by the Investigator.
• At other sites, the Principal Investigators at all sites must report all SAEs to the Chief Investigator first where possible. The Chief Investigator is then responsible for reporting events to the regulators/R\&D as the sponsor office.

Trial Steering Committee (if applicable) N/A