Description of your demographics required for all protocols:
While the vast majority of residents in Rochester, Minnesota and surrounding communities are Caucasian, population demographics have changed over the past decade. [According to census area data such cultural groups as the Somalis, Hispanic/Latinos, and South East Asians have increased the percentage of minorities living in Olmsted County from 3% in 1990 to nearly 10% in 2000. Despite the increases in the number of minorities within Rochester, Minnesota it is probable that recruitment will fall short in the area of minority participation.]
Ethnic/Racial baseline related to transplant/cancer registries: (Are there any known ethnic/racial differences in the condition being addressed?)
[Our study population is patients who underwent kidney or liver transplantation as children who have now become young adults. The average follow-up period after kidney transplantation in our pilot study was 14 years. We recognize the importance of inclusion of minorities in medical research. The influence of ethnicity is particularly relevant with regard to kidney and liver failure. Unfortunately, we anticipate the inclusion of few minorities in the current investigation since minority groups represent less than 5% of transplant recipients at Mayo Rochester. The specimens being used are not being prospectively collected so we have no control over recruitment issues.]
Collaborative recruitment efforts based on other national transplant/cancer registries: (Community/State/National collaborations)
[In order to address this issue further, we are collaborating with colleagues at the University of Minnesota (Blanche Chavers, MD) and the University of Michigan (Diane Cibrik, MD) to broaden our base of patients to study.] We are hopeful that we can better include more minority patients from these centers to address our research questions.
