• Abinet Aklilu and Cynthia Delgado.
• Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Clinical and Translational Research Accelerator, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut. Electronic address: abinet.aklilu@yale.edu.
• J Natl Med Assoc. 2022 Jun 1; 114 (3S2): S25-S33.

AbstractRecent recognitions of longstanding societal effects of structural and overt acts of racism have led to calls for the elimination of race, a social construct, from medical algorithms. This accelerated a growing concern with the use of race in kidney function estimating equations. A task force sponsored by the two leading nephrology societies in the United States has reassessed the inclusion of race in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation and recently put forth recommendations. New race-free equations have been developed and guides for widespread implementation have been provided. We herein review the journey of kidney function estimating equations, race in GFR estimating equations, new race-free equations and the path forward in caring for chronic kidney disease. We urge upon all primary care providers to employ concerted focus on early detection and identification of kidney dysfunction as well as risk factors including social determinants of health to prevent progression.Copyright © 2022 National Medical Association. All rights reserved.

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