African Americans along with some groups of Hispanics have faster rates of decline in kidney function compared to white Americans

Based on a large nationwide study of heart disease risk factors, researchers analyzed data on nearly 5,200 U.S. adults, all with initially normal kidney function. Two different generalized estimating equations were used to assess changes in kidney function, based on five-year follow-up data. The study compared white, black, Hispanic, and Chinese Americans to look for possible racial/ethnic differences in the aging-related rate of kidney function decline. African Americans demonstrated a faster annual rate of decline. By one equation, decline was about 60% faster for African American versus white participants. Kidney function also declined faster in Hispanic participants, but the effect varied by country of origin. Dominicans had the fastest rate of decline, followed by Puerto Ricans. All other Hispanic subgroups, as well as Chinese Americans, demonstrated a rate of decline in kidney function similar to that of whites. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) disproportionately affects African-Americans and Hispanics.