End-stage renal disease in African-Americans.

The African-American community comprises approximately 12.4% of the total American population, but they account for 30.8% of patients diagnosed with end stage renal disease (ESRD). This article focuses first on theories explaining the high prevalence of ESRD in African-Americans. Two major causes of ESRD, hypertension and Type II diabetes, and their relationship to African-Americans are explored. Morbidity, familial risk and new incidences are addressed. Lastly, a screening project for African-Americans at risk for ESRD is proposed.