Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Older Adult Population: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Diagnostic and therapeutic advances during the past decades have substantially improved health outcomes for patients with acute coronary syndrome. Both age-related physiological changes and accumulated cardiovascular risk factors increase the susceptibility to acute coronary syndrome over a lifetime. Compared with younger patients, outcomes for acute coronary syndrome in the large and growing demographic of older adults are relatively worse. Increased atherosclerotic plaque burden and complexity of anatomic disease, compounded by age-related cardiovascular and noncardiovascular comorbid conditions, contribute to the worse prognosis observed in older individuals. Geriatric syndromes, including frailty, multimorbidity, impaired cognitive and physical function, polypharmacy, and other complexities of care, can undermine the therapeutic efficacy of guidelines-based treatments and the resiliency of older adults to survive and recover, as well. In this American Heart Association scientific statement, we (1) review age-related physiological changes that predispose to acute coronary syndrome and management complexity; (2) describe the influence of commonly encountered geriatric syndromes on cardiovascular disease outcomes; and (3) recommend age-appropriate and guideline-concordant revascularization and acute coronary syndrome management strategies, including transitions of care, the use of cardiac rehabilitation, palliative care services, and holistic approaches. The primacy of individualized risk assessment and patient-centered care decision-making is highlighted throughout.

Circulating testican-2 is a podocyte-derived marker of kidney health.

In addition to their fundamental role in clearance, the kidneys release select molecules into the circulation, but whether any of these anabolic functions provides insight on kidney health is unknown. Using aptamer-based proteomics, we characterized arterial (A)-to-renal venous (V) gradients for >1,300 proteins in 22 individuals who underwent invasive sampling. Although most of the proteins that changed significantly decreased from A to V, consistent with renal clearance, several were found to increase, the most significant of which was testican-2. To assess the clinical implications of these physiologic findings, we examined proteomic data in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS), an African-American cohort (n = 1,928), with replication in the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), a White cohort (n = 1,621). In both populations, testican-2 had a strong, positive correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In addition, higher baseline testican-2 levels were associated with a lower rate of eGFR decline in models adjusted for age, gender, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, body mass index, baseline eGFR, and albuminuria. Glomerular expression of testican-2 in human kidneys was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy, while single-cell RNA sequencing of human kidneys showed expression of the cognate gene, SPOCK2, exclusively in podocytes. In vitro, testican-2 increased glomerular endothelial tube formation and motility, raising the possibility that its secretion has a functional role within the glomerulus. Taken together, our findings identify testican-2 as a podocyte-derived biomarker of kidney health and prognosis.

Limited Evidence for Use of a Black Race Modifier in eGFR Calculations: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Commonly used estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations include a Black race modifier (BRM) that was incorporated during equation derivation. Race is a social construct, and a poorly characterized variable that is applied inconsistently in clinical settings. The BRM results in higher eGFR for any creatinine concentration, implying fundamental differences in creatinine production or excretion in Black individuals compared to other populations. Equations without inclusion of the BRM have the potential to detect kidney disease earlier in patients at the greatest risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but also has the potential to over-diagnose CKD or impact downstream clinical interventions. The purpose of this study was to use an evidence-based approach to systematically evaluate the literature relevant to the performance of the eGFR equations with and without the BRM and to examine the clinical impact of the use or removal. CONTENT: PubMed and Embase databases were searched for studies comparing measured GFR to eGFR in racially diverse adult populations using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease or the 2009-Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration-creatinine equations based on standardized creatinine measurements. Additionally, we searched for studies comparing clinical use of eGFR calculated with and without the BRM. Here, 8632 unique publications were identified; an additional 3 studies were added post hoc. In total, 96 studies were subjected to further analysis and 44 studies were used to make a final assessment. SUMMARY: There is limited published evidence to support the use of a BRM in eGFR equations.

Home Hemodialysis: Core Curriculum 2021.

In the early days of dialysis, because of a lack of existing in-center infrastructure, home hemodialysis (HHD) was frequently used to expand dialysis programs. Recently, HHD has been thrust into the spotlight of kidney care programs once again. Patients and policymakers are demanding more choices for the management of kidney failure while controlling for cost. Perhaps it is not surprising that the kidney community's interest in HHD has been revived, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. To meet this increased interest and demand, nephrologists and dialysis providers must embrace new technologies and improve their understanding of HHD systems. This installment of AJKD's Core Curriculum in Nephrology seeks to inform the reader about factors that can improve success in the training and retention of HHD patients. Benefits, pitfalls, and challenges of HHD are outlined. The features of novel and commonly used HHD equipment are also summarized. Examples of prescriptions and prescription adjustments to meet the needs of patients will also be reviewed. Finally, considerations related to medical management of HHD patients and their dialysis access at home are also included. HHD is an important tool for the management and rehabilitation of patients with kidney failure, which allows for patient-centered care and increased patient choice.

Common α-globin variants modify hematologic and other clinical phenotypes in sickle cell trait and disease.

Co-inheritance of α-thalassemia has a significant protective effect on the severity of complications of sickle cell disease (SCD), including stroke. However, little information exists on the association and interactions for the common African ancestral α-thalassemia mutation (-α3.7 deletion) and ß-globin traits (HbS trait [SCT] and HbC trait) on important clinical phenotypes such as red blood cell parameters, anemia, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In a community-based cohort of 2,916 African Americans from the Jackson Heart Study, we confirmed the expected associations between SCT, HbC trait, and the -α3.7 deletion with lower mean corpuscular volume/mean corpuscular hemoglobin and higher red blood cell count and red cell distribution width. In addition to the recently recognized association of SCT with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), we observed a novel association of the -α3.7 deletion with higher HbA1c levels. Co-inheritance of each additional copy of the -α3.7 deletion significantly lowered the risk of anemia and chronic kidney disease among individuals with SCT (P-interaction = 0.031 and 0.019, respectively). Furthermore, co-inheritance of a novel α-globin regulatory variant was associated with normalization of red cell parameters in individuals with the -α3.7 deletion and significantly negated the protective effect of α-thalassemia on stroke in 1,139 patients with sickle cell anemia from the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease (CSSCD) (P-interaction = 0.0049). Functional assays determined that rs11865131, located in the major alpha-globin enhancer MCS-R2, was the most likely causal variant. These findings suggest that common α- and ß-globin variants interact to influence hematologic and clinical phenotypes in African Americans, with potential implications for risk-stratification and counseling of individuals with SCD and SCT.

Comparative Efficacy of Therapies for Treatment of Depression for Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Although depression is common among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis, data on their acceptance of treatment and on the comparative efficacy of various therapies are limited. Objective: To determine the effect of an engagement interview on treatment acceptance (phase 1) and to compare the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) versus sertraline (phase 2) for treating depression in patients receiving hemodialysis. Design: Multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, randomized controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02358343). Setting: 41 dialysis facilities in 3 U.S. metropolitan areas. Participants: Patients who had been receiving hemodialysis for at least 3 months and had a Beck Depression Inventory-II score of 15 or greater; 184 patients participated in phase 1, and 120 subsequently participated in phase 2. Intervention: Engagement interview versus control visit (phase 1) and 12 weeks of CBT delivered in the dialysis facility versus sertraline treatment (phase 2). Measurements: The primary outcome for phase 1 was the proportion of participants who started depression treatment within 28 days. For phase 2, the primary outcome was depressive symptoms measured by the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms-Clinician-Rated (QIDS-C) at 12 weeks. Results: The proportion of participants who initiated treatment after the engagement or control visit did not differ (66% vs. 64%, respectively; P = 0.77; estimated risk difference, 2.1 [95% CI, -12.1 to 16.4]). Compared with CBT, sertraline treatment resulted in lower QIDS-C depression scores at 12 weeks (effect estimate, -1.84 [CI, -3.54 to -0.13]; P = 0.035). Adverse events were more frequent in the sertraline than the CBT group. Limitation: No randomized comparison was made with no treatment, and persistence of treatment effect was not assessed. Conclusion: An engagement interview with patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis had no effect on their acceptance of treatment for depression. After 12 weeks of treatment, depression scores were modestly better with sertraline treatment than with CBT. Primary Funding Source: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, Dialysis Clinic, Kidney Research Institute, and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

APOL1 Kidney Risk Variants and Cardiovascular Disease: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Two coding variants in the apo L1 gene (APOL1) are strongly associated with kidney disease in blacks. Kidney disease itself increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, but whether these variants have an independent direct effect on the risk of cardiovascular disease is unclear. Previous studies have had inconsistent results. METHODS: We conducted a two-stage individual participant data meta-analysis to assess the association of APOL1 kidney-risk variants with adjudicated cardiovascular disease events and death, independent of kidney measures. The analysis included 21,305 blacks from eight large cohorts. RESULTS: Over 8.9±5.0 years of follow-up, 2076 incident cardiovascular disease events occurred in the 16,216 participants who did not have cardiovascular disease at study enrollment. In fully-adjusted analyses, individuals possessing two APOL1 kidney-risk variants had similar risk of incident cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke and heart failure; hazard ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.28) compared to individuals with zero or one kidney-risk variant. The risk of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke and heart failure considered individually was also comparable by APOL1 genotype. APOL1 genotype was also not associated with death. There was no difference in adjusted associations by level of kidney function, age, diabetes status, or body-mass index. CONCLUSIONS: In this large, two-stage individual participant data meta-analysis, APOL1 kidney-risk variants were not associated with incident cardiovascular disease or death independent of kidney measures.

Military Service and Military Health Care Coverage are Associated with Reduced Racial Disparities in Time to Mental Health Treatment Initiation.

We aimed to evaluate whether military service and access to veteran heath care coverage attenuates racial/ethnic disparities in time to mental health treatment initiation for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder, and/or alcohol-use disorder. Results are based on 13,528 civilians and 1392 veterans from NESARC-III. Among civilians, racial/ethnic minorities reported longer time to PTSD and depression treatment initiation than non-Hispanic whites. Among veterans, racial/ethnic minorities did not differ from whites in time to PTSD and depression treatment initiation, and showed shorter time to treatment initiation for alcohol-use disorder treatment. Racial/ethnic minorities with past year veteran health care coverage showed the strongest evidence for attenuated disparities.

Genetics and ESKD Disparities in African Americans.

African Americans have a 2- to 4-fold greater incidence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) than whites, which has long raised the possibility of a genetic cause for this disparity. Recent advances in genetic studies have shown a causal association of polymorphisms at the apolipoprotein L1 gene (APOL1) with the markedly increased risk for the nondiabetic component of the overall disparity in ESKD in African Americans. Although APOL1-associated kidney disease is thought to account for a substantial proportion of ESKD in African Americans, not all the increased risk for ESKD is accounted for, and a complete cataloging of disparities in genetic causes of ESKD eludes our current understanding of genetic-associated kidney disease. Genetic testing aids the screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases with a genetic basis. Widespread use of genetic testing in clinical practice is limited by the small number of actionable genetic variants, limited health literacy of providers and patients, and underlying complex ethical, legal, and social issues. This perspective reviews racial and ethnic differences associated with genetic diseases and the development of ESKD in African Americans and discusses potential uncertainties associated with our current understanding of penetrance of genetically linked kidney disease and population-attributable risk percent.

Apolipoprotein L1 Testing in African Americans: Involving the Community in Policy Discussions.

BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein A1 (APOL1) gene variants occurring in people of West African descent contribute to the greater burden of kidney disease among African Americans. These variants are associated with increased risk of nondiabetic nephropathy, more rapid progression of chronic kidney disease, and shorter survival of donor kidneys after transplantation. However, only a minority of people with APOL1-associated risk develops kidney disease and specific clinical measures to address APOL1-associated risk are lacking. Given these uncertainties, we sought to engage members of the African American public in discussions with other stakeholders about the appropriate use of APOL1 testing. METHODS: Formative interviews with community members, researchers, and clinicians in Seattle WA, Nashville TN, and Jackson MS, provided baseline information about views toward APOL1 testing and informed the design of 3 community-based deliberations among African Americans. A national meeting held in March 2018 included 13 community members, 7 scientific advisors and 26 additional researchers, clinicians, bioethicists, patient advocates, and representatives from professional organizations and federal funding agencies. Using small break-out and plenary discussion, the group agreed on recommendations based on current knowledge about APOL1-associated risk. RESULTS: Meeting outcomes included recommendations to develop educational materials about APOL1 for community members and clinicians; to offer APOL1 research results to participants; and on the use of APOL1testing in kidney transplant programs. The group recommended against the routine offer of APOL1 testing in clinical care. Areas of disagreement included whether kidney transplant programs should require APOL1 testing of prospective living donors or bar individuals with APOL1 risk from donating kidneys and whether testing should be available on request in routine clinical care. CONCLUSION: We recommend continued discussion among stakeholders and concerted efforts to ensure active and informed participation of members of the affected community to guide research on APOL1 and kidney disease.

The Dietary Fructose:Vitamin C Intake Ratio Is Associated with Hyperuricemia in African-American Adults.

Background: A high fructose intake has been shown to be associated with increased serum urate concentration, whereas ascorbate (vitamin C) may lower serum urate by competing with urate for renal reabsorption. Objective: We assessed the combined association, as the fructose:vitamin C intake ratio, and the separate associations of dietary fructose and vitamin C intakes on prevalent hyperuricemia. Methods: We conducted cross-sectional analyses of dietary intakes of fructose and vitamin C and serum urate concentrations among Jackson Heart Study participants, a cohort of African Americans in Jackson, Mississippi, aged 21-91 y. In the analytic sample (n = 4576), multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the separate associations of dietary intakes of fructose and vitamin C and the fructose:vitamin C intake ratio with prevalent hyperuricemia (serum urate ≥7 mg/dL), after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, diuretic medication use, vitamin C supplement use, total energy intake, alcohol consumption, and dietary intake of animal protein. Analyses for individual dietary factors (vitamin C, fructose) were adjusted for the other dietary factor. Results: In the fully adjusted model, there were 17% greater odds of hyperuricemia associated with a doubling of the fructose:vitamin C intake ratio (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.28), 20% greater odds associated with a doubling of fructose intake (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.34), and 13% lower odds associated with a doubling of vitamin C intake (OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.97). Dietary fructose and the fructose:vitamin C intake ratio were more strongly associated with hyperuricemia among men than women (P-interaction ≤ 0.04). Conclusion: Dietary intakes of fructose and vitamin C are associated with prevalent hyperuricemia in a community-based population of African Americans.

Association of 100% fruit juice consumption and 3-year weight change among postmenopausal women in the in the Women's Health Initiative.

The association between drinking 100% fruit juice and long-term weight gain is controversial and has been investigated in few studies. We examined whether 100% fruit juice consumption was associated with weight change in a large prospective cohort of postmenopausal women. We analyzed data from 49,106 postmenopausal women in the United States enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative between 1993 and 1998. Food frequency questionnaires at baseline and year 3 assessed food and beverage intake. Body weight was measured at in-person clinic visits. We used linear mixed effects modeling to determine the association between change in 100% fruit juice consumption and 3-year weight change over the same time period. Covariates of interest included age, demographic factors, smoking, body mass index, hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle factors, change in whole fruit intake, and change in sugar-sweetened beverage intake. The mean weight change was 3.2 lbs. over 3 years. In multivariable adjusted analyses, each 1 serving/day increase in 100% fruit juice intake was associated with a 3-year weight gain of 0.39 lbs. (95% confidence interval: 0.10, 0.69). In conclusion, an increase in 100% fruit juice consumption was associated with a small amount of long-term weight gain in postmenopausal women.

Protein Intake and Long-term Change in Glomerular Filtration Rate in the Jackson Heart Study.

OBJECTIVE: Dietary protein intake could have deleterious renal effects in populations at risk for chronic kidney disease. Here, we examined whether higher protein intake (≥80th percentile of energy from protein) is associated with decline in kidney function and whether this decline varies by diabetes status. DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SUBJECTS AND SETTINGS: Participants were African-Americans (n = 5,301), who enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study between 2000 and 2004. METHODS: Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire at baseline, and serum creatinine was measured at baseline (visit 1) and 8 years later (visit 3). Estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) at baseline and follow-up were computed using the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration equation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The change in eGFR was computed by subtracting eGFR at visit 1 from that at visit 3. RESULTS: Of 3,165 participants with complete data, 64% were women, 57% had hypertension, and 19% had diabetes. The median (25th, 75th percentile) percent energy intake from protein was 14.3 (12.4, 16.4), comparable to that reported for the general US population (15% of energy). During a median (25th, 75th percentile) follow-up of 8.0 (7.4, 8.3) years, eGFR declined by 10.5% from a mean (SD) of 97.4 (17.5) to 86.9 (21.3) mL/min/1.73 m2. In the fully adjusted model, consumption of protein as percent of energy intake in lowest and highest quintiles was associated with decline in eGFR among diabetic subjects. The analysis of variance with a robust variance estimator was used to determine whether long-term change in eGFR significantly varies by protein intake. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that, among African-Americans with diabetes, higher protein intake as a percent of total energy intake is positively associated with greater decline in eGFR in analyses that accounted for risk factors for kidney disease.

Association between Endothelin-1 Levels and Kidney Disease among Blacks.

Endothelin-1, a marker of endothelial dysfunction, is a potent vasoconstrictor released by endothelial cells and an important regulator of renal physiology. It is not known whether elevated serum levels of endothelin-1 indicate future risk of kidney disease in the general population. In participants in the Jackson Heart Study, a community-based observational study of cardiovascular risk in black adults, we measured serum endothelin-1 level at baseline (2000-2004; n=3538). We defined incident CKD as eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and ≥30% eGFR decline at the third visit (2009-2013) relative to baseline among those participants with baseline eGFR ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 At baseline, mean age was 55 years old, 37% of participants were men, and mean eGFR was 94 ml/min per 1.73 m2 Over a median follow-up of 8 years, 228 (6.4%) cases of incident CKD occurred in participants. Participants with baseline endothelin-1 levels in higher quartiles had a greater incidence of CKD in the fully adjusted model (odds ratio for fourth versus first quartile, 1.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 2.96; Ptrend=0.04). Endothelin-1 positively associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio for fourth versus first quartile, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.24 to 2.16; Ptrend<0.001). In conclusion, higher baseline serum endothelin-1 levels associated with incident CKD and all-cause mortality during follow-up in this general population sample of blacks.

Echocardiographic Measures and Estimated GFR Decline Among African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac structural abnormalities, common in African Americans, are associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Associations between echocardiography-measured subclinical heart failure and kidney function decline are unknown and may identify novel risk factors for kidney disease in this population. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 2,418 Jackson Heart Study participants with baseline echocardiograms and longitudinal measures of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated from the CKD-EPI creatinine equation. 2,219 participants had baseline eGFRs≥60mL/min/1.73m2. PREDICTORS: Left ventricular mass (LVM) and ejection fraction (LVEF) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) quantified from baseline echocardiograms. OUTCOMES: Primary outcome was >30% eGFR decline or progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD; need for dialysis therapy) over a mean of 8 years. Secondary outcome, eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m2 or progression to ESRD and eGFR decline >1mL/min/1.73m2 per year among those with baseline eGFRs≥60mL/min/1.73m2. MEASUREMENTS: Logistic regression models, adjusted for demographics, physical characteristics, comorbid conditions, and medication use. RESULTS: Mean age was 52.2±11.9 (SD) years, 37% of participants were men; mean baseline eGFR was 87.3±17.3mL/min/1.73m2. The primary and secondary outcomes occurred in 148 (6.1%) and 162 (7.1%) participants, respectively. In unadjusted models, every 25-g greater LVM was significantly associated with greater odds of eGFR decline > 30% or ESRD (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.26-1.51) and incident eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m2 or ESRD (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.20-1.42); only the former remained statistically significant after adjustment. There was no association of LVEF or PASP with either eGFR decline > 30% or ESRD (LVEF: adjusted OR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.84-1.07]; PASP: adjusted OR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.87-1.11]) or incident eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m2 or ESRD (LVEF: adjusted OR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.86-1.11]; PASP: adjusted OR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.94-1.18]) in multivariable models. LIMITATIONS: No midstudy creatinine measurement at examination 2. CONCLUSIONS: Greater LVM was significantly associated with eGFR decline > 30% or ESRD among African Americans in a community-based cohort. Treating and reversing elevated LVM may reduce the burden and progression of kidney disease in this high-risk population.

Factors associated with maintenance of body mass index in the Jackson Heart Study: A prospective cohort study secondary analysis.

The purpose of this study was to compare the relationship of diet quality, physical activity, and environmental factors with body mass index (BMI) maintenance in African American adults. We analyzed data from 4041 participants in the Jackson Heart Study, a prospective cohort study based in Jackson, Mississippi. Exposures were baseline American Heart Association diet quality score, American Heart Association physical activity categories, the built environment, the food environment, and neighborhood safety. The outcome was weight maintenance or loss (no BMI increase ≥1.0kg/m2) versus weight gain (BMI increased ≥1.0kg/m2) over a mean of 5.0years. We found that 63% of participants maintained or lost weight and 37% gained weight. In multivariable analyses, ideal diet quality was associated with a 6% greater likelihood of BMI maintenance (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03, 1.10). Living in an unsafe neighborhood was associated with a 2% lower likelihood of BMI maintenance (IRR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96, 0.99), as was poor built environment (IRR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97, 0.998). Physical activity and poor food environment were not associated with BMI maintenance. In conclusion, among African American adults in Jackson, Mississippi, high quality diet was the strongest factor associated with BMI maintenance.

Chronic kidney disease and risk factor prevalence in Saint Kitts and Nevis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in St. Kitts and Nevis, islands of the West Indies, is unknown. We sought to determine estimates of CKD and its risk factors (e.g. diabetes, hypertension and obesity) in St. Kitts and Nevis. METHODS: This was a chronic disease screening program. Three community-based locations in St. Kitts and Nevis were included in the program. Participants were adult community residents aged ≥18 years. The main outcome measures were estimated CKD prevalence (by serum creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and dipstick urine albumin); and estimated prevalence of CKD risk factors (diabetes, hypertension and obesity). Logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of CKD. RESULTS: One thousand nine hundred seventy eight persons, from Nevis (n = 950) and St. Kitts (n = 1028) were screened by the Caribbean Health and Education Foundation. Participants' mean age was 49 ± 15 years, 65% were female, and 99% were black. Fully, 21.5% had diabetes and 53.1% had hypertension; and 40.3% were obese. Mean estimated eGFR was 98 ml/min/1.73 m2 (standard deviation = 30) and 4.7% had an eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, indicating CKD. Age [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.08, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.05-1.11], hypertension (OR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.18-7.07) and diabetes (OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.80-5.43) were independent predictors of reduced eGFR in models adjusted for age, gender and obesity status. Of those with urine testing in Nevis (n = 929), 13.5% had urine albumin ≥30 mg/dL, and diabetes was an independent predictor of this finding (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.53-3.87). CONCLUSIONS: CKD and its risk factors were prevalent among adults in St. Kitts and Nevis. Public policy strategies for prevention and treatment of these conditions may be needed to reduce their associated morbidity, mortality and costs.

Risk Factors for Rapid Kidney Function Decline Among African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study (JHS).

BACKGROUND: Racial differences in rapid kidney function decline exist, but less is known regarding factors associated with rapid decline among African Americans. 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: 3,653 African American participants enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) with kidney function data from 2 of 3 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, and 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 and albuminuria [albumin-creatinine ratio]) and modifiable risk factors. RESULTS: Mean age was 54±12 (SD) years, 37% were men, average body mass index was 31.8±7.1kg/m(2), 19% had diabetes mellitus (DM), and mean eGFR was 96.0±20mL/min/1.73m(2) with an annual rate of decline of 1.27mL/min/1.73m(2). Those with rapid decline (11.5%) were older, were more likely to be of low/middle income, and had higher systolic blood pressures and greater DM than those with nonrapid 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 17mmHg 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 > 30mg/g (adjusted OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.08-1.21). Conversely, results did not support associations of waist circumference, C-reactive protein level, and physical activity with rapid decline. LIMITATIONS: No midstudy creatinine measurement at examination 2 (2005-2008). CONCLUSIONS: Rapid decline heterogeneity exists among African Americans in JHS. Interventions targeting potentially modifiable factors may help reduce the incidence of kidney failure.

Primary Care Team Members Report Greater Individual Benefits from Long- Versus Short-Term Specialty Telemedicine Mentorship.

BACKGROUND: Primary care providers who participate in structured specialty telemedicine mentorship report improvements in clinical content mastery, professional satisfaction, and specialist communication. INTRODUCTION: Although these programs require investments of infrastructure resources and time, the duration of participation required to accrue optimal benefits is not known. We aimed to assess whether duration of participation is related to improved benefits of a longitudinal telemedicine-based mentorship program, specifically regarding perceived specialty care access, acquisition of new knowledge and skills, team integration, and overall job satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an e-mail survey of Veterans Affairs-based primary care team members in the United States' Pacific Northwest region who engaged in a longitudinal telemedicine mentorship program (n = 78). RESULTS: After adjustment for potential confounding factors, respondents who engaged in telemedicine mentorship for ≥1 year were significantly more likely to strongly agree that telemedicine mentorship improved patient access to specialty care (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 9.3, p < 0.005) and was useful in treating other patients on their panels (AOR = 3.7, p = 0.04). Participation ≥1 year was also associated with higher self-reported knowledge and competencies (AOR = 4.0, p = 0.03) and with perception of integration into a clinical team (AOR = 5.6, p = 0.01), but not with overall job satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine-based specialty mentorship programs are highly valued by primary care-based participants, and self-reported benefits accumulate beyond 1 year of participation.

National patterns in diabetes screening: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2012.

BACKGROUND: There are few current population-based estimates of the patterns of diabetes screening in the United States. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends universal screening of adults ≥ 45 years, and high-risk adults < 45 years, but there is no current assessment of ADA guideline performance in detecting diabetes and prediabetes. Furthermore, data on racial/ethnic patterns of screening are limited. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to estimate diabetes screening prevalence for the US adult population and specifically for those who meet ADA criteria; to report the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes among these groups; and to determine if high-risk race/ethnicity was associated with reported screening. DESIGN: This was a Cross-sectional survey. PARTICIPANTS: Non-pregnant adults (≥ 21 years) without diabetes or prediabetes who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2005-2012 (n = 17,572) were included in the study. "Screening-recommended" participants, classified by ADA criteria, included (1) adults ≥ 45 years and (2) "high-risk" adults < 45 years. "Screening-not-recommended" participants were adults < 45 years who did not meet criteria. MAIN MEASURES: Diabetes screening status was obtained by self-report. We used calibrated HbA1c and/or fasting glucose levels to define undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes. KEY RESULTS: Seventy-six percent of the study population (approximately 136 million US adults) met ADA criteria. Among them, less than half (46.2%) reported screening; undiagnosed diabetes affected 3.7% (5 million individuals), and undiagnosed prediabetes affected 36.3% (49 million people.) African Americans were more likely to report screening, both among adults ≥ 45 years and among "high risk" younger adults (OR 1.27 and 1.36, respectively.) Hispanic participants were also more likely to report screening (OR 1.31 for older adults, 1.42 for younger adults.) The screening rate among "screening-not-recommended" adults was 29.6%; the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes were 0.4 and 10.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a nationally representative sample, 76% of adults met ADA screening criteria, of whom fewer than half reported screening. Limitations include cross-sectional design and screening self-report.