Kidney disease in elderly minorities.

As a result of altered kidney physiology, the aging kidney is at increased risk for both acute and chronic kidney injury. When coupled with the higher prevalence of such comorbid conditions as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it is not surprising that both the incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease, including end-stage renal disease (ESRD), increases with age. Although the increase in ESRD with age is observed for all races, it is disproportionately high among ethnic minority populations. The reasons for this are varied and numerous, and a complex interplay of environmental, socioeconomic, cultural, and possibly genetic factors, may be involved. It is clear, therefore, that kidney disease in the elderly ethnic minority population is a cause for specific concern and that targeted strategies are needed to improve disease management and treatment outcomes in this high-risk group of patients.