Background
Racial differences in rapid kidney function decline exist, but less is known regarding factors associated with rapid decline among African Americans. A greater understanding of potentially modifiable risk factors for early kidney function loss may help reduce the burden of kidney failure in this high-risk population.
Study Design
Prospective cohort study.
Setting & Participants
3653 African-American participants enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) with kidney function data from two of three examinations (2000-2004 and 2009-2013). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated from serum creatinine using the CKD-EPI creatinine equation.
Predictors
Demographics, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, clinical risk factors for kidney failure.
Outcomes
Rapid decline was defined as a ≥ 30% decline in eGFR during follow-up. We quantified the association of risk factors with rapid decline in multivariable models.
Measurements
Clinical (systolic blood pressure, albuminuria [albumin-creatinine ratio]) and modifiable risk factors.
Results
Mean age was 54 ± 12 (SD) years, 37% were male, average body mass index was 31.8 ± 7.1 kg/m2, 19% had diabetes mellitus (DM) and mean eGFR was 96.0 ±20 ml/min/1.73m2 with an annual rate of decline of 1.27 ml/min/1.73m2. Those with rapid decline (11.5%) were older, more likely to be of low/middle income, had higher systolic blood pressure, and greater DM than those with non-rapid decline. Factors associated with ≥30% decline were older age (adjusted OR per 10 years older, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.34-1.71); cardiovascular disease (adjusted OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.12-2.10), higher systolic blood pressure (adjusted OR per 17 mm Hg greater, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.06-1.41); DM (adjusted OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 2.02-3.41), smoking (adjusted OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.10-2.31), and albumin-creatinine ratio > 30 mg/g (adjusted OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.08-1.21). Conversely, results did not support associations of waist circumference, C-reactive protein, and physical activity with rapid decline.
Limitations
No mid study creatinine measurement at examination 2 (2005-2008).
Conclusions
Rapid decline heterogeneity existed among African Americans in JHS. Interventions targeting potentially modifiable factors may help reduce the incidence of kidney failure.