Kidney Disease in African American Children: Biological and Nonbiological Disparities

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Pediatric Nephrology
• Public Health

Background:

• Pediatric-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents unique challenges, impacting individuals from birth through adulthood.
• Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) can manifest at various life stages.
• Acquired kidney diseases often emerge during late childhood and adolescence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the relevance of pediatric-onset CKD in both pediatric and adult populations.
• To examine the disparities in CKD progression and kidney transplantation outcomes among individuals of African ancestry.
• To identify biological and non-biological risk factors for CKD in children of African descent.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on pediatric CKD and disparities in African ancestry populations.
• Analysis of risk factors contributing to CKD development and progression.
• Evaluation of potential interventions and current treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• CKD progression to end-stage kidney disease is often more rapid in adults of African ancestry.
• Disparities in kidney transplantation access and allograft survival are evident in both pediatric and adult populations of African descent.
• Specific biological and non-biological risk factors pertinent to children of African descent have been identified.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need to address disparities in pediatric CKD, particularly in populations of African descent.
• Further research is required to elucidate effective interventions for improving outcomes in pediatric CKD.
• Understanding risk factors is essential for timely diagnosis and management of kidney disease in children.