Research article: An Analysis of the Updated Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Among African American Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease in an Acute Care
Russell H Wendt, Jose H Salazar, Niti Vyas, Muneeza Esani
Abstract
Purpose: The issue of under-diagnosis among African Americans was a precipitant factor for the exclusion of race in the revised estimated glomerular filtration rate formula (eGFR) in 2021. Prior to the revision, using race in the eGFR formula was seen by many in the medical community to contribute to fewer nephrology referrals among African Americans. The purpose of the study was to determine if implementation of the updated eGFR resulted in significant differences in chronic kidney disease (CKD) classification among African American patients.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted utilizing African American patients newly registered with a CKD diagnosis between January 1, 2022, and January 31, 2024, at a large, public academic hospital in the southern United States.
Results: This study included 568 patients with a median age of 67 years. We found a significant difference in CKD staging when comparing the race-free eGFR and the race-inclusive eGFR, with patients demonstrating an upward staging trend.
Discussion: This study found that the revised, race-free eGFR formula categorizes African Americans in an acute care setting at CKD stage 3 and higher compared to the prior, race-inclusive eGFR formula. This potentially impacts staging of African American patients, as well as resulting in higher numbers of nephrology referrals.
Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, CKD, eGFR, glomerular filtration rate, African American
Int. J. Bio. Lab. Sci 2025(14)1:5-10 【PDF】
