The role of anemia management in improving outcomes for African-Americans with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious threat to African-American public health. In this population CKD progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) at quadruple the rate in Caucasians. Factors fueling progression to ESRD include diabetes and hypertension, which show high prevalences and accelerated renal damage in African- Americans, as well as possible nutritional, socioeconomic, and genetic factors. Anemia, a common and deleterious complication of CKD, is more prevalent and severe in African-American than Caucasian patients at each stage of the disease. Proactive management of diabetes, hypertension, anemia, and other complications throughout the course of CKD can prevent or delay disease progression and alleviate the burden of ESRD for the African-American community. Currently, African-Americans with CKD are less likely than Caucasian patients to receive anemia treatment before and after the onset of dialysis. Although African-Americans often require higher doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, this may result from late treatment initiation, lower hemoglobin levels, or the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes and inflammation, although racial differences in response cannot be excluded. This review explores racial-specific challenges and potential solutions in renal anemia management to improve outcomes in African-American patients. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.