Removing a race modifier from a standard kidney disease diagnosis formula could reduce healthcare disparities, according to a study from researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Health, both based in Dallas.
Researchers led by Ibrahim Hashim, PhD, analyzed serum creatinine values of 56,676 patients over 16 months, according to a July 26 news release. After removing the race adjustment, 14% to 28% of Black patients were moved to a more severe kidney disease classification.
UT Southwestern began using a new race modifier-free formula in May, according to the news release.