While the link between smoking and kidney disease risk is well known, a new study from the University of Mississippi Medical Center shows that smoking may be particularly harmful for African Americans. The researchers were able to analyze kidney function and decline in 3,648 African Americans ranging in age from 21 to 84 years. They found that smokers … Continue reading Smoking Poses Kidney Risk for African Americans
Race and Insurance Big Factors in Assessment for Kidney Transplant
UC San Francisco and Emory University researchers analyzing data from 2005 to 2009, have found that race and insurance are major factors in assessment for kidney transplantation. They discovered that young black patients (less than 35 years of age) and patients without private health insurance were less likely to be assessed as candidates for kidney … Continue reading Race and Insurance Big Factors in Assessment for Kidney Transplant
Young African Americans More Likely to Die on Dialysis, More Transplants Needed
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that, contrary to long-held beliefs, not all African American dialysis patients fare as well as their white counterparts. After studying 1.3 million ESRD patients, they found that young African Americans under 50 actually do much worse. The news comes as a surprise because earlier studies had never analyzed outcomes … Continue reading Young African Americans More Likely to Die on Dialysis, More Transplants Needed
Gene Impacts Donor Kidney Survival, Could Increase CKD Risk
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have discovered that variations in a gene called APOL1 explain why transplanted kidneys from some African American donors don’t last as long as others. The study showed that 2 copies of the recessive gene hindered kidney survival. The genetic anomaly, affecting 10 to 12 percent of African Americans, … Continue reading Gene Impacts Donor Kidney Survival, Could Increase CKD Risk
Haifa Scientists’ Find May Help Millions
From The Jerusalem Post February 12, 2010 Israeli researchers have uncovered new genetic data to help explain the high rates of kidney disease among people of African descent. Haifa Scientists’ Find May Help Millions
Blood Procedure Allows Kidney Transplants, Can Help Minorities
From CNN August 6, 2009 The innovative blood procedure plasmapheresis is making transplants possible for hard-to-match African Americans in desperate need of a life-saving kidney. Great story and accompanying video on a 14-person transplant chain! Blood Procedure Allows Kidney Transplants, Can Help Minorities