A new study reported the rate of kidney disease failure for African Americans is four times higher than kidney failure among Caucasians. One reason for this is African Americans are not aware of the disease in its earlier stages, when treatment could prevent damage to the kidneys from progressing.
 
In the study, participants were interviewed and underwent physical examinations, including tests of their blood and urine for evidence of kidney disease and other illnesses. Of those who participated in the study, 20 percent were African Americans. Less than 25 percent of the African Americans with kidney disease were aware they had the disease. 
 
Researchers say there's a need for new approaches to increase kidney disease awareness, diagnosis and treatment.

This article originally appeared in the February 2009 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Electronic Newsletter.