Education Healthcare Providers. Healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, have an essential role to play in encouraging more Hispanic patients to be screened and treated for kidney disease and its risk factors. Physicians also have a responsibility to improve their referral of patients with kidney disease for appropriate treatment, such as dialysis, without delay.

Continue reading " Kidney Disease in the Hispanic Population: DIRECTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT "

Economic factors contribute to a large proportion of the disparities seen between Hispanics and the general U.S. population in the management of ESRD and its risk factors. In particular, lack of health insurance represents a major barrier to healthcare. Data from the Health and Retirement Survey revealed extremely low levels of insurance coverage among Hispanics, [...]

Continue reading " Kidney Disease in the Hispanic Population: ACCESS TO MEDICAL CARE "

Available treatments to prevent kidney disease or slow the progression of the disease have improved greatly over the past decade. Intensive blood glucose control and blood pressure control, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, early referral to a renal team, preparation for dialysis, and dietary protein reduction can all markedly improve the outlook for those [...]

Continue reading " Kidney Disease in the Hispanic Population: DIFFERENCES IN TREATMENT "

Risk factors that can lead to chronic kidney disease and ESRD occur commonly throughout the adult US. population. These include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, a family history of chronic kidney disease, smoking, substance abuse, age, male gender, and being of nonwhite race.

Continue reading " Kidney Disease in the Hispanic Population: DIFFERENCES IN RISK FACTORS "

The prevention and treatment of kidney disease pose an ever-increasing healthcare challenge in the United States. Currently, over six million Americans have significant reductions in kidney function, and nearly 400,000 require dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. Kidney disease is escalating, and the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has been increasing at [...]

Continue reading " Kidney Disease in the Hispanic Population "