*Purpose: We established the UCSF CARAKTER (Cardiovascular Risk After Kidney Transplantation) Study in order to evaluate risk factors for cardiac disease onset and progression in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). This cohort comprises a prospectively enrolled cohort of KTR with kidney allograft biopsy data, banked biospecimens, and clinical data. Our long-term goal is to use kidney tissue, biomarkers, and images obtained in this cohort along with “real-world” electronic data from the medical record to explore mechanisms of cardiovascular risk in KTR.

*Methods: Between 2014-2017, consecutive KTR undergoing kidney allograft biopsy for cause or protocol at UCSF were enrolled. Detailed data including pathological findings by Banff criteria were systematically abstracted by chart review. For corresponding clinical data, both detailed chart review and querying of the UCSF central data warehouse of the electronic medical record were used. This data warehouse was compiled based on the Observational Methods Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) common data model.

*Results: 422 patients were enrolled and provided biospecimens (serum, plasma, urine). Mean age at the time of consent was 51.2±13.9. 271(57.1%) were men; 116 (27.6%) were white, 64 (15.2%) African American, and 88 (20.9%) Asian. 89 patients had biopsies for cause, 333 for protocol. 403 had cardiovascular disease including hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure at baseline. 26 (6%) had type 1 and 109 (26%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Baseline pre-transplant echocardiogram data is available in all participants and repeat research images were obtained in a subset (41).

*Conclusions: The CARAKTER Study will be an important cohort for future investigations into cardiovascular and metabolic complications of kidney transplant. Longitudinal outcomes using the electronic medical record will be ascertained as biospecimen measurements are performed.

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